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13
Mar
New Indian restaurant in Harrogate speaks out against online backlash
A new Indian restaurant named Abu's, which is set to open in Harrogate, has spoken out against the online backlash it has received.
Abu’s announced the opening of its new restauarant on Facebook two weeks ago, and has since received a string of unwelcoming comments on its posts.
One comment said that Harrogate 'has gone to the dogs'. Another said: "Another restaurant that Harrogate needs, NOT. How about investing in some decent everyday shops?".
Many Harrogate locals are angry about the addition of another restaurant in the town centre, as, in their eyes, the town is crying out for new shops, not new restaurants.
Abu’s has clarified that it is taking over from an existing Indian restaurant, Kinara Tandoori, so it is in fact not "another restaurant", but a replacement.
Abu's has taken over the former Kinara Tandoori site.
In a post on Facebook, Abu’s said:
Some people are hating on us for following our dream and trying to support our family. We have not harmed anyone; we haven’t even opened yet.
Despite the negativity surrounding the opening, the restaurant said:
We have also received some wonderful messages of support which has motivated us to continue. We look forward to serving you when the restaurant is ready to open.
Abu's is set to open in the next four weeks at 19 Cheltenham Parade.
Harrogate has seen a flurry of recent retail shop closures, with three shoe stores announcing they were shutting down in quick succession.
The Stray Ferret recently looked at the impact of these closures, particularly on Harrogate’s Parliament Street.
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