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30
Apr
Mystery surrounding Harrogate bar deepens
The mystery surrounding the sudden closure of The Wicked Wolf in Harrogate is yet to be solved.
The Stray Ferret revealed the bar, which opened last December, closed almost three weeks ago.
It said it had experienced “major issues” with its kitchen, which could not be resolved at the time.
The email to customers, seen by the Stray Ferret, followed an ‘eat free’ promotion advertised in the days prior.
The promotion offered customers a free main meal with a paid-for alcoholic drink, but bookings were swiftly cancelled.
The email apologised for the sudden closure and told visitors the bar “hoped to be back serving you soon”.
Days later we received reports that bookings were being cancelled.
The Stray Ferret has contacted The Wicked Wolf a number of times since it closed after being contacted by readers wondering what was going on. But we have not received responses to any of our enquiries.
We previously asked North Yorkshire Council, which owns the Montpellier Gardens site, if the company's tenancy was still in place.
At the time, Gary Field, director of resources, said the council was “in discussions” with the tenants, which still occupied the unit.
Mr Fielding added the authority understood the tenant “has no intention of ending the tenancy".
However, the Stray Ferret has visited the site a number of times since it closed and there appears to be little discernible sign of activity.
When we visited last Friday (April 25) some rogue bottles and glasses had been left in the beer garden, but the bar remained shut.
According to Google, the bar is "temporarily closed" and The Wicked Wolf's website is not accepting bookings (pictured below).
Rogue glasses in the outdoor area last Friday (April 25).
Bookings cannot be made online at the moment.
The Stray Ferret approached the council yesterday (April 29) for an update and asked if anything has changed with tenancy.
A spokesperson said the situation “hasn’t changed since mid-April”, adding the previous statement “still stands”.
Upcoming event
Despite the uncertainty surrounding The Wicked Wolf, tickets are being sold for a Dayclubbers event that is scheduled to be held there this Saturday (May 3).
The Wicked Wolf’s most recent Facebook post on April 17 said the event would still be going ahead as planned and included a link to buy tickets.
One person asked on the post: “is this still going ahead as you are closed?”.
The Wicked Wolf replied:
Yes, this is still on.
The Stray Ferret contacted Dayclubbers to confirm if the event will definitely go ahead.
A spokesperson said today:
The event will be going ahead at The Wicked Wolf, we have had assurances from the venue since when they shut, hence why we have continued to sell tickets.
Our customers and the high standard of event we put on is the most important consideration for our company.
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