The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in Harrogate and Ripon has pulled together a list pubs that are opening this weekend to encourage visitors.

Under the new restrictions only those selling substantial meals can reopen meaning many pubs in the Harrogate district are remaining closed.

CAMRA has put together a list of all of the pubs across the Harrogate district able to open this weekend. The group has also put together other lists including pubs offering an alcohol takeaway service.

The branch has warned that without public support some pubs may not make it through to the new year.

The branch secretary, Steve Fairweather, said:

“Pubs in our area face a very uncertain future following the tier two restrictions and reevaluation of tiers on the 16th December.

“Please show your support for your local pubs over the next few weeks, either by going for a meal or using take away services offered as government support is minimal and we fear that if we don’t support them now, it will be too late for most come January.”

The group is also encouraging people to write to their MP. It says it is important to gain government support for local pubs that are struggling.

Read more:

• Harrogate district pubs voice their concerns after being put into tier two. 
• Despite very few cases pubs have to stay closed in Pateley Bridge.

What classes as a substantial meal caused controversy this week after the government was forced to correct a statement made by George Eustice, the environment minister, who said a scotch egg “probably would count”.

The government has confirmed bar snacks are not substantial meals. Guidelines state it must be a “table meal”, it is expected to stand alone as a person’s main meal day or evening.

Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA has said the smallest meals it has seen being served locally are half a pizza and a ploughman’s meal at £3 each.

A Boroughbridge pub has joined forces with the Boroughbridge Lions to set up a Santa’s grotto to bring some festive cheer to the town next month.

The Grantham Arms is hoping to set up an outdoor winter wonderland for local children on December, 20. The Boroughbridge Lions will be bringing along Santa and his sleigh to add to the Christmas spirit.

This year, The Grantham Arms and Boroughbridge Lions have missed out on income due to the pandemic.

The Lions are hoping the donations they earn from this this will give them a chance to earn vital funds to donate back to other local community efforts.

Simon Wade, owner of The Grantham Arms, is hopeful he will be able to reopen his doors next month to allow the event to go ahead. He has said all the necessary measures will be made to ensure the event is safe.

“There’s so many kid’s events being cancelled and we wanted to offer something for them. I got the Lions involved because it gives them a chance to earn some extra money and they do great things within the local area.

“I’m still hopeful we can open the first week of December but I don’t think it’ll be for long. It’s frustrating because how can we plan for anything? It is really challenging this time.”

The Grantham Arms has been decorated for Christmas.

Read more:

• The popular late night shopping event in Boroughbridge has had to be cancelled this year.
• WATCH as Harrogate district towns light up for Christmas. 

As well as this event, The Boroughbridge Lions are still planning to take Santa and his sleigh round the town and the local villages at the beginning of December.

This year will be different, the volunteers won’t be knocking on doors or carrying buckets as they need to limit contact.

Paul Bullivant, president of Boroughbridge Lions, said:

“We will miss out on a significant amount of money from this year’s sleigh so any money raised from the event at The Grantham will be grateful received. Providing it’s safe and within guidelines we will do whatever it takes to bring a little joy.”

A 57-year-old father-of-three from Harrogate who tried to sexually groom a 12-year-old ‘girl’ on WhatsApp has been spared jail.

Former binman Gary Milner sent the ‘girl’ pornographic sketches and urged her to send him a lewd picture of herself.

But in fact he had been set a trap by a paedophile hunter group called Dark Light, one of whose members set up an online decoy profile as a pre-teen girl on the dating app Mingle, York Crown Court heard.

Milner was given an 18-month suspended prison sentence and placed on the sex-offenders’ register for 10 years.

Prosecutor Chris Dunn said the vigilante group turned up at Milner’s home in the Harrogate area following the entrapment and uploaded the video on Facebook. Milner was immediately dismissed from his job at a recycling waste service.

“(The vigilante group) contacted police, informing them that representatives (from Dark Light) had attended the home of the defendant following him communicating online with their decoy profile set up to mimic a (named) 12-year-old female,” added Mr Dunn.

Read more:

• Crown court trial awaits man arrested for supplying heroin in Harrogate
• Trial awaits woman, 72, accused of cannabis production in Harrogate

The decoy profile had lain dormant until Milner contacted the ‘girl’ on the dating website, which was for adults.

“For just over a fortnight (in August 2018) the defendant corresponded with this false profile of a child thinking it was a 12-year-old girl,” said Mr Dunn.

“The initial chat took place via Mingle (but) shortly after that, the conversation moved to the personal messaging app, Whatsapp.”

Asked for lewd image

Milner, whose username was ‘Gazza1Gazza’, became “more intimate” in his conversations with the ‘girl’ after only a few days, manoeuvring the chats towards “messages of a sexual nature”.

He talked to the ‘girl’ about “how to have sex”, asked if he could perform a sexual act on her and sent her pictures and sketches from an adult sex manual.

“On a number of occasions throughout this Whatsapp correspondence, (the ‘girl’) told him she was 12,” added Mr Dunn.

“Thereafter, he sent her a picture of his car, asking her if she’d like to go in it for a drive.”

Milner — formerly of Harrogate but now of Horsefair, Boroughbridge — asked the ‘girl’ to send him a lewd shot of herself and sent her a picture of a woman in a state of undress to give the ‘youngster’ a better idea of the kind of image he was expecting, said Mr Dunn.

After being arrested at home, Milner told police he had talked to the ‘girl’ about sex but claimed it was “more educational”.

He claimed he didn’t get any sexual gratification from the debauched chats and didn’t intend to meet her, but these claims were rubbished by both the prosecution and the sentencing judge.

History of dishonesty

Milner — who lived alone following the collapse of his marriage about 11 years ago — claimed he was looking for a long-term adult relationship on the dating site and that he “happened” to talk to a ‘child’ “for friendship”.

However, he ultimately admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

The court heard that although Milner had an extensive criminal history, mostly for “dishonesty” offences, there was nothing on his record for sexual matters.

Susannah Proctor, for Milner, said her client was “deeply ashamed” about his behaviour but that he had not gone onto the dating site looking for children.

She said he had lost his job as soon as his employers became aware of the Facebook video, bringing an end to a 30-year career as a binman and causing him severe financial difficulties.

Moved to Boroughbridge

Since his arrest, Milner had lost all contact with his family. He had moved from Harrogate to Boroughbridge a few years ago following the death of his father.

Judge Simon Hickey said it was clear that Milner thought he was chatting to a real 12-year-old girl and that he had been sexually grooming her.

However, he said that Milner had already been punished of sorts following the “opprobrium” he had received following the Facebook video and the loss of a job he had held since 1989.

Milner was made subject to a 10-year sexual-harm prevention order and ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation programme and sexual-offending prevention course.

Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Masham have all been hit by flooding today — and alerts remain in place.

Parts of Knaresborough close to the River Nidd appear to have been the worst affected.

An Environment Agency spokesman said there were no confirmed cases of people having to leave their homes.

However, Andrew Weatherhead, owner of Weatherhead Butchers in Pateley Bridge worked through the night unblocking drains and mopping two inches of water from his High Street shop.

Mr Weatherhead, whose shop opened as usual this morning, told the Stray Ferret he planned to buy some flood gates to prevent further problems.

Mr Weatherhead, who finally got home at 3am only to be woken by his house alarm going off at 5.30am, said the town’s river flood defences worked well but added:

“I think there is something wrong with the state of the drains. So many are blocked. We had to unblock them with shovels and sticks and when we did the water went down quickly.”

No other shops in Pateley are believed to have been affected.

Cars moved

Vast swathes of Knaresborough were under water this morning. The area near the Vantage Toyota dealership, close to the River Nidd, was particularly bad.

Kyley Price, a medical administrator who lives in the area, said:

“We are surrounded by water but I’m hoping it wont be too bad. Just the usual clean up to come.

“We got a warning at 5.30 this morning so moved cars etc. We are now just sitting watching TV and waiting.”

• Stray floods despite £20,000 drainage scheme
• River Nidd flooding set to hit Knaresborough today

Ms Price questioned the effectiveness of the flood prevention measures in the area:

“The water rises and fills the surrounding flood plane and fields faster than ever.”

Ure rising in Ripon

A flood warning remains in place in Ripon for Ure bank and the racecourse.

The government’s flood information service posted at 11.28am today:

“The level of the River Ure at Ripon Ure bank is 3.44m and rising. We expect river levels to continue rising with peak levels expected around 3.61m this afternoon.

“Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.”

The water is rising in Ripon.

Many rural roads, including the bridge at Masham, were treacherous this morning.

The forecast is improving but a flood alert is in place for the upper Nidd. The flood information service said at 11.28am:

“Further rainfall is expected on Monday, and river levels will fluctuate through the day. Flooding of low-lying land, roads and footpaths remains possible.”

The annual late night shopping event in Boroughbridge has had to be cancelled this year leaving shops without the festive boost in sales.

The popular event normally attracts hundreds of eager shoppers wanting to support local businesses. Community groups and shops also get involved by dressing up and decorating shop windows.

However, this year the Boroughbridge Chamber of Trade has had to cancel the event in order to discourage huge crowds.

During the evening the Christmas tree lights are usually switched on but this year there will be a low-key switch on with the mayor and chamber president, Derek Hufton.

The chamber will still organise the town’s Christmas lights which is match funded by local councils. The budget for the lights this year is £5500.

Derek said:

“It is such a shame, it is one of the highlights for the town. It’s possibly one of the best days of trading for shops in the year. It won’t stop anyone trading throughout the festive season but it is a little extra that they will miss out on.

“We still want people to shop in the town. I think people feel safer here and they know they’re supporting local businesses.”

Read more:

• Boroughbridge farm shop hosts artisan market this weekend to boost its trading. 
• No Christmas market hasn’t stopped Knaresborough, it is finding new ways to bring festive cheer to the town.

The chamber is still encouraging shops to decorate their windows and dress-up for its annual competitions and encourage shoppers.

The Boroughbridge Lions are still hoping to have their annual Santa sleigh fundraiser. Usually it travels through the town at night but the group is currently discussing how it can go ahead safely this year.

A Boroughbridge farm shop is hoping to raise its profile and promote other small businesses by hosting an artisan market this weekend.

When the pandemic put a stop to their events catering business, owners Linda and Andi Aikman had to adapt. They used their local suppliers to start delivering food boxes.

This took off and they opened The Langthorpe Farm Shop and cafe over the summer. The pair are determined to support other small, local businesses.

The market, being held this Saturday, October 31, will stand on the shop’s large car park and across two fields it has rented behind.

It is being organised by Little Bird Artisan Markets and will include 40 traders.

A range of small, local businesses will set up their stalls for visitors this weekend. Photos: Little Bird Artisan Markets.

To be covid-safe, a one-way system will be in place to direct visitors around the food, craft and art stalls. Visitors are also encouraged to wear a mask and only touch items they are going to buy.

The farm shop will also have its own stall to encourage visitors to come inside.

Linda said:

“Our events business came to a bit of a stop in March. So we took to crazy risk in July to buy the shop.

“It’s steady, but people still need to know we’re here. I’m hoping this market will raise our profile and support other small, local businesses too.”

Linda is passionate about supporting other local traders and also the community. Like many other food outlets, she is currently offering free takeaway lunches for those in need during half term.

Read more:

• Roecliffe pub to be restored to its “glory days” say new owners.
• An artisan market is set to return to Masham next year. 

Jackie Crozier, events coordinator at Little Bird Artisan Markets, said:

“We want to help serve local communities with the best artisan stalls, whilst giving traders the best opportunities to showcase and sell their handmade goods. When the opportunity came along to work with the team at Langthorpe Farm, it was the perfect match.”

Live music will be playing throughout and one of the stars of The Yorkshire Vet, Julian Norton, will be there to sign his book. A pumpkin competition will also be held in the afternoon.

Stray Foodie is a bi-monthly food review written by Michelin-starred chef, Frances Atkins. In 1997, Frances opened the Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge, where she was the owner for 20 years. During her ownership, she held her Michelin-star status for 16 of those years.

Grantham Arms, Milby, Boroughbridge YO51 9BW

Frances’ Meal: Starter: Garlic Prawns with Samphire £9.95 Main Course: Steak Pie £14.95  Glass of Picpoul: £4.30

The Grantham Arms is a grey painted building that stands on a roundabout as you enter Boroughbridge. I suspect it was once a charming coaching inn but now at the side of a very busy road – not the most salubrious positions. Its fake grass and fairy lights make a statement.

The welcome I received from the young man behind the bar, Sam, was exemplary. It was a busy bar with guests of all ages.

I was with a friend who is the head of a hospitality department at a university. A young lady called Jess showed us to our table and looked after our experience for the duration of the evening. There were brown leather chairs, square tables, candles and bric-a-brac throughout. I imagine in the evening it would be very atmospheric.

The front room of Grantham Arms.

Jess was warm, friendly, with an extensive knowledge of the menu, which catered for all tastes.

To start with we shared Garlic Prawns with Samphire. The Samphire would have welcomed a little less heat.

She advised us that the Pies were a speciality and the thing to have. So, I had the steak pie which was well-made with good pastry and generously presented. I am not sure if the blue cheese in the gravy worked with such good ingredients; it might suit someone with a more robust palate. The cooking of the vegetables was excellent which is a rare achievement.

Would you like Frances to review your restaurant or cafe? 

From pop-up to fine dining, Frances would like to hear from you. If you’d like her to write a review on your food, send her an email to: foodie@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The Chicken Supreme, which my friend ordered, was of grand proportions with a well-made sauce. I was assured it tasted good. However, I would have liked to have seen it looking more comfortable in the sauce with thinly sliced mushrooms, chopped chives and sliced to add a little elegance.

The choice of wines were very limited and they would have benefited from a wider selection of grape variety to balance with the dishes on offer.

The Dessert Menu looked tempting but unfortunately, we were too full. It looked interesting and was the sort of menu that meant no waste for the kitchen. Perhaps a seasonal weekly dessert might be a thought. A Syrup & Apple Sponge or similar nursery pudding for the winter the months might be a popular idea for their regulars.

The atmosphere was young and vibrant and made by the service staff. Such courtesy is always a pleasure to receive.

The outside seating area.

The kitchen, given suitable direction, has the makings of a successful brigade, although, I was disappointed to find the Head Chef was not on duty at the time of my visit, nor was any form of senior management.

If you are hungry the pricing is of very good value and you won’t be disappointed. I am sure it will increase in popularity as a neighbourhood restaurant. In these difficult times, it is a place to be valued.

To find out more about Grantham Arms click here. To read more about Frances’ fantastic career click here.

Read More: 

• Stray Foodie:  Frances visits the Bistro at How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale
• Italian bar and restaurant closes in Harrogate

Linden Homes will cut the number of four- and five-bedroom homes at its Riverside Mills development as a response to “market conditions”.

This week, Harrogate Borough Council approved a planning application from the developer to alter the already-agreed 95 homes on the site, where work has already begun.

Linden will replace nine 3-bedroom, sixteen 4-bedroom and seven 5-bedroom homes with four 4-bedroom, 34 three-bedroom and eight 2-bedroom homes. This will increase the total number of homes in the development by 14, and the total number of bedrooms by eight.

The application to make the changes was first submitted in October 2019.

The Stray Ferret asked Linden Homes to comment but the company had not responded by the time of publication. A document submitted to HBC by Pegasus Group on behalf of Linden Homes said:

“The proposed scheme seeks [to] maintain the existing infrastructure layout of the site, whilst introducing a number of smaller units to reflect market conditions in Boroughbridge.”

Read more:

• Council could spend £4.5m on 52 homes in Harrogate
• Barratt Homes pulls out of 390-home Ripon scheme

There have been signs locally that, since lockdown, housebuilders are being more cautious with developments. In July, the UK’s largest housebuilder, Barratt Homes, pulled out of a 390-home development in Littlethorpe, Ripon.

In August, Harrogate Borough Council agreed to buy 52 homes for £4.5m at Stonebridge Homes’ Castle Hill Farm development on Whinney Lane.

Despite some caution from housebuilders, estate agents in the district have reported a “manic” period since June.

Alex Atkinson, sales manager at Linley & Simpson, told the Stray Ferret that 2020 will end strongly thanks to the government’s Stamp Duty holiday, which ends in March 2021.

He said:

“Since lockdown we’ve seen a massive shift in our village and rural properties. Anything with land or outdoor space is selling like hotcakes at the moment.”

A plaque to commemorate the UCI World Championships under 23s riding through Boroughbridge was unveiled yesterday.

One year ago the town was preparing for the cyclists to arrive. The streets were decorated with bunting and plywood bike sculptures were placed at various locations.

The team that organised the day’s event thought a blue plaque would create a legacy for the day. It was fitted in the centre of town near the new cycle racks at Havenhands The Bakers shop.

Susan Jagger, a member of the legacy organising team, said:

“We’d never had the big cycling events come through the town before. We spent six months preparing how to welcome the cyclists properly.

“Boroughbridge is a very popular cycling centre and it is fitting to have a reminder that our town was a part of this prestigious International event.”

Last year the local shops took part in the celebrations by decorating their windows.

Read more:

• A blue plaque to commemorate Harrogate’s efforts to support the Spitfire campaign during World War Two is now in place. 
• Boroughbridge Community Care are in need of more volunteers as people’s needs continue. 

The team planned to unveil the plaque in April alongside the mayor and Team GB cyclists but, due to the pandemic, it had to be postponed.

The unveiling yesterday was carried out by last year’s mayor, Cllr Geoff Haldenby, who helped with the UCI celebrations last year.

Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, begins today – but events are thin on the ground in the Harrogate area.

Most events have been cancelled due to coronavirus although an additional virtual programme has been added to the schedule, allowing people to go behind the scenes at cultural sites across England.

The only physical event scheduled for Harrogate is a Commonwealth War Graves Commission walk and talk at Stonefall Cemetery, which is limited to six tours of five people over two days and is currently fully booked.

Nearly 1,000 airmen who died in the Second World War are buried at the cemetery. More than two-thirds are Canadian.

Read more:

• Church wall repair planned after six-month road closure
• Organisations come together for community jigsaw project

The neo-Norman church of St Mary’s in Roecliffe, which has a Jacobean pulpit, is opening its doors to visitors on all 10 days of the open days, which end on September 20.

St Martin’s Church in Knaresborough is also welcoming visitors, as is the church of Christ the Consoler at Skelton-cum-Newby at Newby Hall, near Ripon.

Heritage Open Days, which is being held for the 25th year, has adopted a hidden nature theme in 2020. It is coordinated by the National Trust.

To search for events, click here.