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31
Jul
New twist in Harrogate’s Wicked Wolf saga
The company behind The Wicked Wolf in Harrogate has not ended its tenancy at a council-owned unit despite the bar being closed for nearly four months, it can be revealed.
The future of The Wicked Wolf, which took over the North Yorkshire Council's Montpellier Gardens site last December, has been something of a mystery since it closed suddenly in April.
The Stray Ferret revealed the bar shut after experiencing "major issues” with its kitchen, which could not be resolved at the time.
An email to customers at the time, seen by the Stray Ferret, apologised for the closure and told visitors the team “hoped to be back serving you soon”.
The council told us it was “in discussions” with the tenant shortly after the bar closed, adding the authority understood the tenant had “no intention of ending the tenancy”.
A Dayclubbers event was held at the bar on May 3, but there have been little discernible signs of life since. Doors at the premises have remained shut and social media accounts inactive — the last post on its Facebook page was April 17.
However, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Stray Ferret, the council confirmed “the tenancy has not ended” at the site.
The Wicked Wolf's website says the site is "currently closed".
The Stray Ferret also asked the council to disclose the amount paid by the tenant in service charge and business rates, as well as the amount the council has yielded in rent payments, but it declined to share this information.
In its response, the authority said disclosure of such information would "prejudice the legitimate commercial interests of North Yorkshire Council and the Wicked Wolf, Harrogate".
It added:
The council believes that this exemption is engaged because ongoing discussions are taking place between the landlord and the tenant in relation to the unit. Disclosing information regarding this tenancy may jeopardise the council's market position to enter into contracts with businesses in the future.
For example, if the amount of rent paid for council properties is disclosed, it may allow other businesses to have a competitive advantage over the Wicked Wolf.
£150,000 refurbishment
The Wicked Wolf was one of a flurry of new venues that opened in Harrogate around Christmas.
The bar's social media pages showcased the site’s £150,000 refurbishment and areas that it said were “perfect for Instagram pictures".
Owner Kevin Spencer, who said he had 30 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, last year told the Stray Ferret the company would “continue investing in Harrogate, supporting the night-time economy and enhancing the already amazing day-time offerings”.
The bar advertised a one-week 'eat for free' promotion on its social media channels, which entitled guests to a free main course with a paid-for alcoholic drink, shortly before operations ground to a halt.
Although the council’s response clarifies the current position of the tenancy, the circumstances surrounding The Wicked Wolf’s closure remain murky.
The Wicked Wolf did not respond to any of the Stray Ferret's enquiries in the weeks following its closure.
The Montpellier Gardens site is part of the Royal Baths, which the council acquired in a bid to bolster its commercial investment portfolio.
Instead, as revealed by the Stray Ferret, it has been dogged by poor investment returns and vacant units, which have left local taxpayers to foot a £1.5 million bill.
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