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19
Feb
Independent Harrogate brewery takes on historic town centre pub
An independent local brewery has taken over The Old Bell in Harrogate.
Harrogate Brewing Co shared the news on social media yesterday.
The company, based at Hookstone Chase, said it had been “nervously working on an exciting venture” over the last few months.
The post added it had always been a dream to open a town centre location, and now Harrogate Brewing Co looks forward to creating "a local spot serving great beers to the community".
The Stray Ferret contacted Harrogate Brewing Co about the announcement. Co-owner Joe Joyce told us the family-run brewery hopes to re-open the Royal Parade site towards the end of March following a refurb.
“It is having a bit of a refresh”, he said.
Mr Joyce told the Stray Ferret customers old and new can expect a traditional pub offering independent beers.
He added:
We are a local brewery, so we’ll provide our own beers and some interesting, independent beers.
We’re an independent, family-run business and I think those traits will be felt at the site.
The new site will serve food but the menu is still being finalised.
The Stray Ferret asked Mr Joyce if the historic pub will keep its iconic name, or if it will rebrand under Harrogate Brewing Co.
He said that is “still in discussion” as everything is “in the early stages”.
The Stray Ferret also asked Mr Joyce why the company decided to take on the unit. He told us:
The opportunity came about, and we had been looking for about three years to find a location. We really wanted a flagship Harrogate site, and this felt like the right one.
Harrogate Brewing Co will hire more staff ahead of the opening.
Mr Joyce said the new pub, which will open in addition to the company's Hookstone Chase taproom, will operate seven days a week.
The news comes after The Old Bell last month confirmed it would close following 25 years of trading.
It was refurbished in 2023, before being listed for sale at an asking price of £1.25 million.
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