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13
May
Harrogate’s Wicked Wolf remains closed — one month on
More than a month has passed since The Wicked Wolf in Harrogate closed suddenly.
Since then, numerous people have been in touch asking what is going on.
The Stray Ferret has made repeated enquiries, but the bar's situation seems murkier than ever.
The Wicked Wolf opened in December in the unit formerly occupied by the Potting Shed. The unit forms part of the grade two listed Royal Baths owned by North Yorkshire Council.
It was one of a flurry of new hospitality venues that opened in the town shortly before Christmas.
The Wicked Wolf'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, previously told the Stray Ferret the company would “continue investing in Harrogate, supporting the night-time economy and enhancing the already amazing day-time offerings”.
But operations ground to a halt just over a month ago when bookings were suddenly cancelled due to kitchen issues.
It came after The Wicked Wolf 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.
The bar blamed “major issues with our kitchen” in an email to customers. It added staff were unable to resolve the issues and the site “had to close”.
But it added: “We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to be back serving you soon."
Days later we received reports that bookings were being cancelled.
The Stray Ferret has since made repeated attempts to contact The Wicked Wolf. None of our enquiries has been answered.
We have also visited the site on numerous occasions – most recently today (May 13) – only to find it closed.
A rogue glass and pizza box have been strewn across the outdoor area, but there is little discernible sign of life beyond that.
Rogue glass and pizza box in the outdoor area at The Wicked Wolf (May 13).
The Stray Ferret has also approached North Yorkshire Council for updates on the tenancy.
The authority’s director of resources, Gary Fielding, previously said the council was “in discussions with the tenant of The Wicked Wolf” but its understanding was that The Wicked Wolf had “no intention of ending the tenancy”.
The council has replied to subsequent emails saying its position remained the same. A spokesperson said there were no updates in an email on May 13.
Dayclubbers event
The Wicked Wolf has posted on social media just once since the closure.
That post on April 17 confirmed a Dayclubbers event, which was scheduled to be held at the venue, would still go ahead as planned on May 3.
It also included a link to buy tickets.
One person asked on the post: “is this still on as you are closed?”. The Wicked Wolf confirmed it would be.
A spokesperson for Dayclubbers told the Stray Ferret ahead of the event that the event would take place, adding:
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.
A photo of the Dayclubbers event at The Wicked Wolf. Credit: Dayclubbers.
The event did indeed go ahead but the mystery surrounding the venue’s future only deepened in the aftermath.
Bookings are still unavailable on The Wicked Wolf’s website, which says the bar is closed no matter which day is selected (see below).
It is currently described as 'temporarily closed' by Google.
The council bought the Royal Baths with taxpayers' money to generate investment returns so there is a clear public interest in what happens.
The Stray Ferret will continue to ask questions and provide more information when it becomes available.
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