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Jun 2020

Last Updated: 22/06/2020

Harrogate restaurants battle for survival

by Thomas Barrett

| 22 Jun, 2020

Harrogate’s highly competitive restaurant scene is preparing to reopen but the financial scars of lockdown could mean some don't survive.

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The William and Victoria restaurant, Harrogate.

Harrogate’s highly competitive restaurant scene is preparing for an announcement this week from government on when restaurants are allowed to reopen but the financial scars of lockdown could mean some don't survive.

David Straker, co-owner of popular Harrogate restaurant William & Victoria told the Stray Ferret that the situation is perilous for many restaurants in the town.

He said:

"It’s hard. It’s really, really hard. We’re fortunate here as we own our property and we have a fantastic loyal clientele which is absolutely paramount to a business."

William & Victoria received a government grant and has taken advantage of the Bounce Back Loan scheme. From Thursday to Sunday it has also been providing a takeaway service which Mr Straker said has helped keep the restaurant afloat.

Mr Straker added that Harrogate restaurants were already having a "hard ride" before lockdown and many could cease trading the longer they are not able to open at full capacity. He said running a restaurant is all about "getting as many people through the door as possible".

He added:

"The streets in Harrogate aren’t paved with gold. It’s hard work. There are big rents and they need a big turnover.

“We’re all fighting. At the minute, it’s about survival. That’s what it’s all about.”

Nick Rahman, owner of Cardamom Black on Cheltenham Parade, told the Stray Ferret that due to the size of his property he wasn't eligible to apply for a government grant of up to £25,000. He said this has created haves and have-nots in the town.

He said:

“There are two stark realities [for restaurants] and I’m on the dark side of it. All of my rivals are doing full fit-outs and decorating but it's not something we could do. It’s been really tough for us.”

“We’re in a really bad position and we’ve had a big loss over the last 12 weeks. We’re just trying to survive. We just hope we can make that money back quickly.”

Cardamom Black is preparing to re-open on July 4th but Mr Rahman said extra cleaning and social distancing measures are "huge, significant costs."

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Sara Ferguson, owner of Sasso on Princes Square, said because of economies of scale, the larger restaurant chains in the town have been able to better protect themselves against the losses incurred by lockdown.

She said:

"It gets tougher all the time to be an independent"

Like William & Victoria and Cardamom Black, Sasso has been providing a takeaway service to customers throughout lockdown. Not only has it provided a vital revenue stream it has been “psychologically” important to Ms Ferguson as it has continued the relationship with loyal customers. She said it's important for the town that independent restaurants survive the months ahead.

She added:

“The more independents there are, the more vibrant we are as a town and more diverse our offering is but there may well be restaurants unable to go forward”.

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Harrogate restaurants battle for survival

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