The Stray Ferret is delighted to announce that legendary Michelin-starred chef, Frances Atkins, will become… the Stray Foodie!

Frances owned the renowned Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge for 20 years, where she held a Michelin star for 16 of them.

Now Frances is now turning her talent and experience to food reviewing.

From fine-dining restaurants to pop ups, Frances will be visiting all types of catering establishments and writing a review for the Stray Ferret.

Her first review will be published on The Stray Ferret next week on Saturday, September 26.

Frances told The Stray Ferret:

“I would see it as my job to encourage people to stay safe, take care, but at the same time enjoy what is on offer at the moment.

“I’m hoping that [my reviews] will encourage people to visit our industry more and not to be so worried about these times because most people in the hospitality industry are over-cautious now and they care about their customers.

“A friend of mine said to me the other day that he loves reading food reviews because they paint a picture for him, and he feels as if he is there and enjoying it. It also stimulates him to try new dishes at home himself and broadens his horizons, so he absolutely loves them.

“As for business owners, every business wants to be busy; it’s a form of advertising that people will read and see, rather than the establishment just saying they’re the greatest – there’s nothing like word of mouth.

“Also, if somebody builds up a following, a trust, that’s something I have to achieve. I think it’s important that the owners have a confidence in us to want to advertise with us.”

Frances Atkins pictured outside her airstream bus business Paradise Foods.

Frances discusses the possible challenges she may face when writing her reviews.

She said:

“It’s particularly important to give a clear picture of the feeling of the place in the first instance and first impressions. I think it’s important to take a positive view rather than a negative view because everybody’s opinions are always different, and I think during these times it’s very important to produce positive and honest feedback.

“It could be a challenge for me to make sure I don’t let my professionalism interfere with a review on a place that may be structured slightly differently to the way I would run it. Also, not to enjoy myself too much because I’m very good at forgetting when I’m enjoying it – on the other hand, if I am enjoying myself to that degree then that must be a good thing.”

“For me this is an exciting new world, away from the stove – and that’s how I see it. The benefit I see is having a great experience seeing other people’s style and the way people do things.”

“I wouldn’t be criticising; I will be writing about an experience. It’s something that I find exciting because I want to put my experience onto paper.”

After leaving the Yorke Arms, Frances converted an airstream bus into a mobile kitchen business, Paradise Foods, and stationed it at Daleside Nurseries in Killinghall. She was joined by her previous colleagues, John Tulett and Roger Olive.

Are you a restaurant in the Harrogate district – from pop-up to fine dining? Would you like Frances to review your establishment? If so, send her an email to: foodie@thestrayferret.co.uk.

Police have arrested a man after an incident in Harrogate Town centre which left roads closed.

North Yorkshire Police were called to the incident on Strawberry Dale around 2.43pm after reports of a man making threats to other residents and that he was in possession of a knife.

Mayfield Grove was closed at the junction with Bower Road in order for police to deal with the incident.

Surrounding routes are reported to be busy as drivers try to find alternative routes.

A second man was also arrested on suspicion of obstructing police, though it was not part of the original incident.

A police statement this afternoon said:

Read more:

• Heroin seized and three arrested in suspected Harrogate drug deal
• Harrogate police officer ‘bitten by man claiming to have coronavirus’

Bar owners and managers have expressed concern about the possibility of lockdown measures including curfews being introduced, as warnings have been issued around North Yorkshire.

Other areas of the country have seen a 10pm curfew introduced on bars and a ban on people mixing outside their households, in an effort to curb rising infection rates.

While no such restrictions are in place in North Yorkshire, Scarborough and Selby are now on Public Health England’s “watch list” because of their growing figures.

The Stray Ferret has spoken to some late-night bars in Harrogate about how this would impact their business.

Wetherspoons on Parliament Street is open for customers until 1am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and until midnight every other night. Claire Demain, a shift leader at Wetherspoons, told the Stray Ferret that another lockdown would be “catastrophic”.

“We are quite concerned – we are starting to think, ‘are we going to be next?’. An earlier closing time would impact us significantly, especially on a weekend when the majority of our trade is from younger people and we do take a fair bit of money on drink and food after 10pm.

“Being locked down for three months to start with was very detrimental… We have just got into a flow of things again and sales are picking up so if we get locked down again it would be catastrophic, because we survive on people being able to come out for a drink…

“I don’t know how we would financially or mentally recover from it again.”

Mojo, Harrogate

Mojo bar on Parliament street is another to express the “devastating” impact a 10pm curfew would have on business.

James Hudson, a spokesperson for Mojo, told us:

“The impact of closing our business at 10pm would be absolutely devastating, especially after our teams have worked so hard over the last few months implementing and working to new guidelines.

“Finding a balance between curbing this virus while not destroying businesses and livelihoods is challenging and not one I feel we have come close to managing. The timing of these new restrictions seems to be in line with colleges and universities reopening. I am not convinced this action will make any real difference.”

Read more:

• North Yorkshire bosses call for “greater vigilance” following a rise in cases in Harrogate 
• North Yorkshire declares covid emergency

However, not all bars are totally against the curfew.

Jay Smith, who has owned Montey’s bar since 1996, told us that it wouldn’t be “the worst idea in the world”.

Montey’s currently closes at 2am, though before COVID it was open until 4am. Mr Smith said:

“If you were sat in front of your economics professor, he would tell you to be worried, but you have to think that people are losing their lives and loved ones and that your staff – many of which have worked for you for years – are being exposed to people on a regular basis.

“If authorities come to the balanced decision that it’s dangerous and it needs to be calmed down for while then that’s the way it is.”

With Scarborough and Selby now on Public Health England’s covid watchlist after an increase in cases, Dr Lincoln Sargeant, director of public health at North Yorkshire County Council, has urged people to be vigilant and follow the rule of six.

Harrogate Borough Council has told the owners of Blues Bar that its outdoor tables on the Stray must be removed by Monday.

The news has come as a shock to owners Simon and Sharon Colgan, who were yesterday told that the tables and chairs could remain outside their other bar, The Empress, on Stray land.

However, the council said it would allow the Empress’s tables to remain in place because there was no suitable alternative. For the Blues Bar, it advised using the pavement directly outside the bar, rather than the grass opposite.

Sharon said:

“There’s absolutely no reason for this, I don’t understand at all. On Monday, it’s meant to be a lovely day and we aren’t able to put the tables and chairs out. We can only get 20 people inside in a covid-friendly way – how are we going to make any money?

Mrs Colgan said she had heard other bars had been told they could keep their tables out on the grass throughout September and questioned why the Blues Bar was different.

Read more:

• More than 2,000 call for council to leave tables outside Harrogate bars
• Outdoor tables set to remain at Empress Bar

A spokesperson from Harrogate Borough Council said:

‘The location of the Empress public house does not make a pavement licence a practical solution. Therefore, we have worked hard to provide them with a temporary licence that allows them to use an area on the Stray and maintain social distancing. A positive outcome that the pub is happy with.

“The Blues Bar is fortunate that it does have a pavement licence and can use the space in front of its premises. Something they are already doing.

“This means we can ensure the grassed area remains in excellent condition for all to enjoy.”

The couple had initially been allowed to use outside space as part of a loosening of restrictions to help hospitality businesses cater safely for more customers. However, they were told last week that they had until yesterday to remove the outdoor furniture, after a letter from the council telling them that they can no longer use Stray land.

They called upon the council to reverse the decision, and gathered more than 3,000 signatures in a petition against it.

Yesterday, the council held a meeting with the owners and agreed to provide a temporary licence for the outside space at The Empress to enable social distancing. Four picnic benches and some bistro tables will be allowed on the Stray.

The couple were told at the time that Blues Bar was still under review, and today they received an email from the council denying permission for the tables to remain outside.

They have now been asked to remove them by Monday, and reminded that any chairs and tables left out over night should be removed from the grass while the bars are closed.

Brighter, better and more extensive than ever: that’s the promise from the organisation now responsible for Harrogate’s Christmas lights.

Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) will be organising the displays for the first time this year and has appointed Gala Lights to make the town shine brighter than ever during the festive season.

Although the traditional Big Switch-On will not be possible, retailers and restaurants will be hoping the new and improved displays will draw people in to the town centre. The BID is hoping an online switch-on, taking place on Saturday, November 14, will help members of the community to get involved, as well as supporting local businesses.

Harrogate BID acting chair Sara Ferguson said:

“For a number of years, Harrogate’s annual Christmas lights have been funded by donations from local businesses and individuals, match-funded by Harrogate Borough Council.

“The appeal was launched on Stray FM and raised tens of thousands of pounds each and every year, with the switch-on taking place live on radio with stars from Harrogate Pantomime playing leading roles.

“Whilst none of that will be happening this year for obvious reasons, Harrogate’s Christmas lights will shine brighter than ever and be a reason for people to come into town during the festive season to shop, eat and drink.”

Custom made

The lights will be switched on in mid-November and will be strung between buildings, wrapped around lampposts and housed in trees, including those in front of the war memorial at the top of Parliament Street.

There will also be an illuminated, programmable and multi-coloured tunnel on the piazza in front of Victoria Shopping Centre, controllable via an app. Ms Ferguson added:

“Following a competitive pitch, we have chosen Gala Lights as our partner of the next four years. They are Christmas lighting specialists and work with towns, cities and BIDs throughout the UK. And for the first time in many years the lights are being custom-made for us.

“We are also looking at a lights switch on, but this won’t be a physical countdown in the town centre, but an online one involving local businesses and, hopefully, a big name or two.”

Gala Lights managing director Christopher Stille said:

“We are proud to be creating bespoke new Christmas lights for Harrogate town centre and we hope the new scheme will be well received by residents and visitors alike.”

Harrogate BID has recently expanded its team with the appointment of a ‘host’ to liaise with businesses and local authorities, and a project co-ordinator to support interim manager Simon Kent. It is funded through a levy on business rates applied to all businesses in the town centre over a set rateable value.

A man has been sent for trial at crown court after being charged with supplying heroin and possessing criminal property in Harrogate.

Stopped on Montpellier Hill in the town centre yesterday afternoon, the 45-year-old was charged in the early hours of today and appeared at York Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He will be sent for trial on a date to be confirmed. As well as supplying heroin, he is charged with possession of cash suspected to have been obtained through drug dealing.

Meanwhile, three other men – two aged 45 and one aged 37 – were arrested on Montpellier Hill on Wednesday as part of North Yorkshire Police’s work on county lines drug dealing under Operation Expedite.

Officers also seized 30 wraps of suspected heroin, £600 cash and a number of mobile phones and scales in the region as part of the investigation. The three men have been released while investigations continue.

Read more:

• Heroin seized and three arrested in suspected Harrogate drug deal
• Harrogate police officer ‘bitten by man claiming to have coronavirus’

A hotel on the outskirts of Harrogate has closed its doors after two members of staff tested positive for covid-19.

Nidd Hall Hotel, which sits between Ripley and Brearton, closed on Tuesday afternoon and sent its guests home.

Mark Middleton, from Stafford, was staying at the hotel with his partner when he was told they would have to leave. Although he praised the staff for the way they handled it and the help they offered, Mr Middleton said after leaving the hotel he had been unable to get confirmation of whether anyone had received a positive test result.

He said:

“We both work and need to get in touch with our employer to see if we need to be tested or self isolate.”

The hotel has confirmed to the Stray Ferret that two members of staff received positive test results. It said all guests were offered the opportunity to re-book or receive a refund.

Read more:

• Three more Harrogate schools report confirmed covid cases
• District MPs decline to comment on ‘broken’ covid testing system

A spokesperson for Nidd Hall Hotel said:

“We have chosen to temporarily close the hotel after two team members tested positive for covid-19. This is a proactive and precautionary measure, with health regulators confirming the hotel could continue operation due to our extensive protocols covering hygiene, social distancing and PPE.

“No guests are currently at the hotel and we are scheduled to reopen during the course of next week. The majority of guests who were due to visit in the coming days have rebooked to stay at other Warner Leisure Hotels or have chosen alternative dates to visit Nidd Hall, while a small number have opted to receive a full refund in line with Warner Leisure Hotels’ Coronavirus Guarantee policy.

“Warner Leisure Hotels operates to highest standards in reducing risk from covid-19 to ensure our guests feel safe and secure and have the confidence to enjoy their stay at all times.”

Harrogate Borough Council has renewed the sexual entertainment licence of the town’s Kings Club.

Kings Club, on Oxford Street, which is the town’s only strip club, has been given permission to continue topless pole dancing, topless stage strip tease and full nudity lap dancing.

The borough council’s licensing committee met on Wednesday to make the decision.

Councillors dealt with the application in private session. But the authority confirmed that the licence was renewed with conditions.

Read more:

• Daughter of Coach and Horses landlord applies for licence
• Coach and Horses could be in limbo for months

The government closed all clubs in March and has not yet given them the green light to reopen. This licence renewal is a sign that Kings Club is confident in its return after a few difficult months.

When the Kings Club closed it said that it will reopen as soon as possible to “restart the party”. The club added in its announcement:

“We are grateful to the government for the financial support they have so far offered which will soften the financial blow for our staff and management. We look forward to the party of the decade when we return.”

Visits to care homes across the Harrogate District will be restricted after a rise in coronavirus cases.

Richard Webb, director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council, said homes in Harrogate, Scarborough and Selby will be asked to restrict visits for the next seven days.

It follows a rise in cases in North Yorkshire which led to the county declaring a “major incident” earlier this week.

Read more:

• Harrogate Grammar School confirms one of its students has tested positive for coronavirus. 
• Harrogate Ladies College is another school confirming a positive case. 

Mr Webb apologised for the measure, but added it was “necessary” in light of increased cases.

He said in a series of tweets last night:

“Tonight am writing letters to care homes, asking some of them to restrict visiting in some areas because of rising tide of covid cases.

“Please do all you can to prevent the spread of this virus so that care homes don’t have to go into lockdown.

“We are asking care homes in three areas (Harrogate, Selby and Scarborough districts) to restrict care home visiting for the next seven days and will then be reviewed. I am sorry to do this but it is a necessary precaution because of rising covid-19 infections”

Just to clarify: we are asking care homes in 3 areas (Harrogate, Selby and Scarborough districts) to restrict care home visiting for the next 7 days and will then be reviewed. I am sorry to do this but it is a necessary precaution because of rising #COVID19 infections 1/2

— Richard Webb (@RichardWebbNY) September 17, 2020

Mr Webb said the measure would be reviewed after the seven day period.

He added that the county council will set up a task group with care providers, care home residents and the county council to develop a more secure way to enable visits.

Harrogate Borough Council appears to have withdrawn its threat to remove tables and chairs outside The Empress.

More than 3,000 people in a week signed a petition by owners Simon and Sharon Colgan calling on the council to reverse its decision.

The Colgans say they now only needed to reduce the distance between the outside tables and chairs, while still adhering to two metre social distancing guidelines.

The couple have also been told to remove tables and chairs from outside The Blues Bar, which they also own but that situation remains under review.

Read more:

• More than 2,000 call for council to leave tables outside Harrogate bars
• Harrogate council threatens to remove tables from outside bars

The council had given both pubs one week to remove all of their tables and chairs over fears they could damage the Stray.

Ms Colgan told the Stray Ferret the latest development was good news for her workforce and for customers:

“We would like to thank the customers who went out of their way to sign our petition from last Friday. It has been incredible. Even some of our old customers who now live in America took the time to help. It means that we can serve more customers and keep more people in work.”

The Stray Ferret approached Harrogate Borough Council for comment today but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Update: A council spokesman said: “Following a positive meeting with the Empress public house, we have agreed to provide a temporary licence that allows them to use an area outside to maintain social distancing.”