A new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The One-Eyed Rat is a traditional pub, famous for its old fashioned charm.
It can be found on Allhallowgate, one of the oldest parts of Ripon.
A real ale destination over many decades, the One Eyed Rat was refurbished and re-opened under new management in the summer of 2020.
A Grade II listed building set within a terrace of 200-year-old houses, its narrow frontage leads to a warm and welcoming hostelry.
The pub has a long, narrow interior with traditional seating and an open fire, and there is a large garden at the rear, including a covered area.
You can also enjoy a traditional pie and a pint.
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
Harrogate firefighters dealt with five field fires on the hottest day of the year today.
On a day when North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident due to the number of call-outs, the crew at Harrogate attended three major fires.
At first they were called to a blaze near Forest Lane in Harrogate at about 1pm where an area of woodland measuring 20m x 20m had caught fire. Harrogate fire station put on Facebook:
“We believe a discarded cigarette, or strong sunlight shining through a broken glass bottle may have caused the fire.”
After extinguishing the fire, one of the Harrogate appliances was sent to a standing crop on fire in a field near Marton cum Grafton, between Boroughbridge and Knaresborough.
The fire station said on Facebook:
“Due to the extremely dry conditions the fire caught hold of four fields very quickly. The wind direction kept changing making the condition challenging.
“Fire crews also came to help from Knaresborough fire station, Ripon, Acom, and the water bowser from Tadcaster.
“Crews worked hard in the extreme heat (nearly 40 degrees!) to extinguish the fire using hosereel jets, main branches and beaters.
“Thanks also goes to the farmers for helping out and putting a fire break in the crop.”
While this was going on, the second Harrogate fire engine was called to a field on fire near Northallerton.
“As you can imagine, the ground is tinder-dry at the moment making it easy for fire to spread quickly.
“So please do be careful if you are out and about. Make sure you discard cigarettes carefully and avoid having barbecues.”
Extreme hot weather affected the Harrogate district today. Here’s a look back at today’s heatwave news.
It’s supposed to be even hotter tomorrow — please send details of travel problems/cancellations etc to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Harrogate Grammar School, the largest school in the Harrogate district, is to close tomorrow due to the extreme weather.
In an email to parents, headteacher Neil Renton said:
“The classrooms seem to be tracking at least 2 to 3 degrees above the external temperature.
“The forecast for tomorrow from 1pm is 36 degrees with this rising to 38 degrees by 2pm. We have found even the temperature today to be an unbearable temperature for children to learn.
“Despite our best efforts to cool the building over the weekend, closing all the blinds, we now have high levels of residual heat in school from a very warm day today.
“Despite giving out free bottles of cold water to the children at lunch, our site team making outdoor spray stations and adjusting uniform expectations, the school has been very uncomfortable.
“The fact that we have a very strong remote learning offer, developed through two lockdowns, means that we can maintain the continuity of provision.
“As a result, we have made the decision to close the school due to the extreme weather conditions forecast.”
Hampsthwaite Primary School has also told parents that although the school will be open, if parents are uncomfortable sending their children to school it will not be considered unauthorised absence.
If you have details of other school closures tomorrow, message us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk
HAPPY (hedgehog appreciation prickly pals Yorkshire), based in Ramsgill, has asked people to leave a bowl of water out for hedgehogs during this week’s heatwave.
National Trust-owned Fountains Abbey has said it will open tomorrow but urged people not to bring dogs and to consider coming on Wednesday, when cooler temperatures are forecast.
1/3 Whew! Today was a scorcher and tomorrow is set to be even hotter. Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal will be open tomorrow but we would really recommend visiting on a different day if you can.
The site is very large with steep hills and few shady spaces. Visitors should prepare pic.twitter.com/AmhpXcSMQX— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
2/3 for walking for long periods in the direct sun and bring plenty of water and suncream. Please don't bring dogs with you if you're planning a visit tomorrow.
The weather is due to break on Wednesday so we should be back to normal then. For now, we wont be running— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
3/3/ guided tours and we may have to close some areas early for the welfare of our team.
Stay safe and cool – we'll be posting about ice and snow before you know it!— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) July 18, 2022
Harrogate Borough Council has said not all of its scheduled bin collections have been completed today because of the rising temperatures.
It has asked anyone whose collection has been missed to leave their bin out and crews will aim to return when the weather is cooler later this week.
Some collections from today (Monday) are also outstanding as our crews deal with the rising temperatures. Please continue to leave your waste or recycling out as we'll aim to return later in the week.
Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
— Harrogate Borough Council (@Harrogatebc) July 18, 2022
LNER has confirmed that no trains will be running from Harrogate to London Kings Cross tomorrow.
The company is running a reduced service due to extreme heat.
https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1548638466656931840
The temperature has reached 34 degrees in Knaresborough, according to local weather stations.
Areas in Harrogate are currently at 32 degrees.
Visitors to How Stean Gorge in Nidderdale are keeping cool by using two new caves that the attraction has bought.
The two new caves are Hazel Close Cave, which is about 120 metres long and only accessible via a ladder, although features a walking passage for 37 metres. Oxbow Cave is the second new cave, on the north side of How Stean Gorge and is 25 metres in length.
Tony Liddy, director of How Stean Gorge, said:
“We’ve transformed the site with our ambitious expansion plans to cater to the huge demand for adventure tourism. Acquiring the caves is an important part of that, as we want to showcase nature’s stunning playground in this unique gorge that has existed for ten thousand years, since the last Ice Age.”
It looks like most people are heeding the warnings not to sit out in the sun today, with the Stray looking all but deserted in the high temperatures.
We saw just a few people walking across the grass, and even one runner, but it’s much quieter than usual for this time of day.
Meanwhile, the town centre itself feels quiet, though some hardy shoppers were still out on Cambridge Street – mostly sticking to the shade along the south side.
According to local weather stations, Burn Bridge is the current hotspot, with the mercury hitting 34 degrees centigrade.
It’s a day for brollies… although not for their usual purpose. How are you spending your lunch hour?
Harrogate Easier Living Project has offered support to those struggling during the hot weather.
The charity is offering people emotional and practical support during the soaring temperatures.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with the heat, needs help and doesn't know where to turn, please call HELP on 01423 813090 and we can offer friendly practical & emotional support in #Harrogate #Knaresborough #Ripon and surrounding villages #HeretoHELP @HADCAcharity pic.twitter.com/9M3YJvNm8h
— HELP charity #HereToHELP (@HELP_Harrogate) July 18, 2022
It’s warmer than the Bahamas at the Borrage Green Lane Paddling Pool in Ripon, where mum Paula and her children Oli, two, Ted, six, and 10-year-old Arabella were managing to keep cool with an 11am dip.
North Yorkshire County Council has urged people to look out for each other during the extreme heat.
Let's look out for each other during the hot weather.
Please remember to check on family, friends or neighbours who may need help keeping cool.
The heat can affect anyone, but for some it can have serious effects on health.
Get #heatwave advice ⬇️https://t.co/LvFJHsibGi pic.twitter.com/aq0af1CC4V
— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) July 18, 2022
Knaresborough Town AFC has postponed its pre-season friendly tomorrow due to the red weather warning.
The club was due to play Campion AFC at Manse Lane tomorrow evening.
https://twitter.com/KnaresboroughFC/status/1548664274280669185
Harrogate Convention Centre has issued advice to those attend this week’s Home and Gift Fair.
The event is set to take place this week during the heatwave.
The convention centre has advised attendees to drink plenty of fluids, bring water with them and to look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated.
https://twitter.com/HgtConventions/status/1547895249137111043?s=20&t=zSOw9DeeoAzafHyGYK5Xbw
Residents at Boroughbridge Manor care home kept cool over the weekend amid the hot weather with ice cream.
The home timed the treats well for National Ice Cream Day as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat.
Ann, a resident said:
“I absolutely love ice cream. There really isn’t anything nicer on a hot summer’s day. We have had loads to sample today with all kinds of different sprinkles and sauces. They have all been truly delicious.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service has issued advice amid the hot weather.
The service is asking people to take responsibility for themselves so ambulance crews can respond to the seriously ill across the region during the heatwave.
Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:
“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.
“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.
“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”
Direct trains from Harrogate to London Kings Cross have been cancelled due to the extreme heat.
LNER is running a reduced timetable amid the weather warning.
Network Rail is advising that passengers only travel if necessary both today and tomorrow.
If you’re planning on driving today, National Highways has issued advice for precautions to take before getting on the road.
It includes taking a bottle of water in your car, leaving plenty of time for your journey and checking your vehicle before you leave.
You can read the advice here.
Spa Croquet Club, which plays at Studley Royal Cricket Club, has postponed its match which was due to be played today.
The Federation match has been postponed to Monday, July 25.
The friendly against Ben Rhydding due to be played today has also been postponed, but a new date has yet to be agreed.
Some dog walkers were up early to beat the rising temperatures this morning.
The heat is expected to reach highs of 34 degrees in Harrogate today.
Schools, care homes and public services across the Harrogate district are putting in place measures to protect vulnerable people from the extreme temperatures expected today and tomorrow.
With the Met Office forecasting highs of 38C and red warnings in place, there is a risk to health, especially for the elderly, very young and people with existing medical condition.
You can read more on how schools, hospitals and care homes are preparing here.
With temperatures rising, Ripon Cathedral Primary on Priest Lane has organised for a portable air conditioning unit to be put in place in the school hall and planned performances of the Legend of Shrek by key stage 2 pupils, to be re-scheduled from tomorrow, to Wednesday and Thursday.
In a message to parents and carers, head teacher Steven Holmes said he had taken the difficult decision to move the sold-out performances until later in the week.
He said:
“We are concerned about the potential temperatures in the hall for the Tuesday performances of Shrek with over 200 bodies in one space.
“As a school we have invested in LED lighting to reduce heat and have organised for a portable air conditioning unit.”
Tickets bought for tomorrow’s performances will be automatically transferred.
The Met Office has an amber weather warning of extreme heat for the Harrogate today and tomorrow.
The warning means that “population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”
It also means that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines are likely to be required.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal at Ripon has made changes amid the hot weather.
Its Studley refreshment kiosk will be closing at midday and guided tours of the abbey and water gardens will not be taking place.
Northern has urged passengers to only travel if necessary during the extreme heat.
It has also warned that its services could be cancelled at short notice amid the hot weather.
https://twitter.com/northernassist/status/1548918144286175234
Village show season set to start in Harrogate districtGet set for melting ice creams, home-grown marrows, dog shows and death-defying display teams… the village show season is about to begin.
After two covid-ruined years, these quintessentially British events are returning to the Harrogate district.
The Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally, which includes a Lancaster bomber fly past and dancing differs, takes place today and tomorrow.
The action comes thick and fast then. Here’s what’s happening.
The show at Newby Hall celebrates its 107th anniversary this year.
It will feature Yorkshire produce, crafts and livestock as well as attractions and events ranging from dog, cattle and sheep showing classes to horse, pony and donkey events and hay making demonstrations.
There will be crafts, cream teas, heavy horses, baking, handicrafts, horticulture, flower arranging, photography and farm produce.
Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show.
The grand ring will host children’s races, terrier racing always and a dog show.
Catherine Park Peyton, chair of the show:
“Our show is one of the biggest community events in the area and we are very pleased to work in partnership with Newby Hall where the parkland provides the perfect backdrop for a country show.”
The village show in Nidderdale will be staged for the first time in three years.
The highlights include a bicycle display team, Pete White and his Suitcase Circus, dog agility classes, a pony show and a dog show.
First held in 1867, it is one of the mainstays of the show season.
Weeton Show, which was created just after the Second World War, was one of the few to take place last year and was rewarded with a huge turnout.
This year’s event features Dangerous Steve in the main ring, terrier racing, vintage tractors and a farrier demonstration.
Tockwith Show will return for 2022 in August.
The show features plenty of agriculture and horticultural attractions. There is also a sheep show, a farmers market and working crafts.
Tockwith Show 2019 pic credit: Steve Ross
The show, which dates back to 1945, takes place on Cattal Moor Lane in Tockwith.
The show, initially held in 1849, will be staged for the first time in three years.
Among this year’s attractions are Savage Skills, who are the UK’s leading freestyle mountain bike and BMX stunt team.
There are also jumping classes, fancy dress, vintage machines and dog classes which include dog agility, companion dog and friends show, terrier racing, gun dog retrieve and sheep dogs.
Ripley Show is traditionally held on the second Sunday in August at Ripley Castle Park.
It is organised by Ripley and District Agricultural and Horticultural Show Ltd, a member of the Yorkshire Federation of Show Societies.
The Annual Nidderdale Show, held in the picturesque surrounds of Bewerley Park, Pateley Bridge, is one of the county’s foremost agricultural shows.
It regularly attracts crowds of 15,000 and traditionally marks the end of the agricultural show season.
‘Good’ rating from Ofsted for Boroughbridge schoolOfsted has praised Boroughbridge Primary School for the way it engages pupils with their learning as it awarded it a ‘good’ rating.
A two-day inspection in May found children were well-behaved and polite, showing “positive and attentive” attitudes.
In their report, the inspector said:
“Boroughbridge Primary School is a friendly and welcoming place. Pupils feel safe, happy and enjoy their learning.
“Relationships are a strength of the school. As one pupil put it, ‘We have kind teachers, kind children and lovely school cooks!’
“Pupils work hard to meet their teachers’ high expectations and do well.”
The inspector found teachers consistently checked pupils’ knowledge and what they could remember in lessons. However, she said more could be done to carry out assessments over time to look for and address gaps in knowledge.
She also found that teachers were not always clear on what pupils should know in each subject area, but said school leaders were already working towards addressing this.
The report said the school had had a change of leadership recently, with an interim headteacher and deputy head appointed. The inspector added:
“Leaders have brought about many positive changes to the school in a short space of time. They are developing a broad and ambitious curriculum.
“Staff are well supported by school leaders and governors. Staff value this. They know that they can ask for help, particularly with workload. Staff appreciate the care and consideration given to their well-being.
“There is a positive culture of teamwork between leaders, staff and governors.”
Boroughbridge Primary School has 175 pupils aged between three and 11. Its previous inspections in 2017 and 2013 both also gave a ‘good’ rating.
Appeal after indecent exposure at Newby HallNorth Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a man exposed himself to a group of three women at Newby Hall.
The naked man approached the women on the woodland walk in the gardens of the hall at about 3.40pm on Thursday last week.
Officers are looking for any witnesses who were in Newby Hall gardens at the time.
The hall is situated between Boroughbridge and Ripon.
A police statement said:
“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help identify the man and in particular, we’re appealing to anyone who’d been at Newby Hall gardens on the day and may have information which could assist our investigation.
“The man is described as being white, aged 40-50 years old, 6ft to 6ft 2′ tall, of a medium build with a slight beer belly and dark brown hair in the style of a short back and sides that had grown out.
“Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email Richard.Jackson@northyorkshire.police.uk You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 1505 Jackson.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12220113065.”
Council reveals social housing plans for Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge
Harrogate Borough Council has revealed plans for social housing at seven sites which it said would make a “small but important contribution” to the serious shortage of affordable homes.
With around 1,800 households on its housing waiting list, the council has made a push to bring forward new homes on small sites.
However, it has been criticised for not going further or faster enough to provide more homes for Harrogate’s low-income earners who are being driven out of the area by high rent and house prices.
The council’s latest plans include social housing at sites in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge and Huby.
The Knaresborough site off Halfpenny Close is the largest and could accommodate around 14 homes for market, social rent and shared ownership if approved. All of the properties would be classed as “affordable”.
A total of £170,000 in government cash has been secured by the council to progress these plans, and some of the money has already been spent on site surveys.
There are also proposals for five shared ownership apartments at the former Cavendish House hostel on Robert Street, Harrogate.
The council said these apartments would be for “first time buyers unable to afford to access the property market”.
Also in Harrogate, two properties are planned for St Andrew’s Place where the council has admitted vehicular access would be “tight” on the single lane street.
Another home has been proposed for Gascoigne Crescent in the town.
On Knaresborough’s Charlton Drive, a garage site which has been described as in “very poor condition” could also become a new build.
There are also proposals for single properties on both Springfield Drive, Boroughbridge, and Kingsway in Huby.
A decision to submit planning applications for all six sites is set to be signed off by Cllr Mike Chambers, cabinet member for housing and safer communities, at a meeting next Tuesday.
A report to the meeting said the development of similar sites has been “long established” and “makes good use of the council’s landholdings”.
The report also said the council would bid for extra government funding to develop the proposals if planning permission is granted.
It added:
Young Boroughbridge actors finally put on Grease“There are circa 1,800 households on the waiting list for social/affordable rented housing and circa 650 first time buyers registered for shared ownership.
“These underutilised sites will make a small but important contribution to helping meet that need.”
It’s Greased Lightning! Young actors from Boroughbridge are taking to the stage tonight to put on Grease the musical.
The youth group of The Hightimers, an amateur theatre company, are putting on the musical two years later than originally planned.
The show was casted in 2020 but due to the pandemic it had to be delayed. After a few cast stages and new members, the kids can finally take to the stage.
The ‘Pink Ladies’
The first show is this evening at 7.30pm in the Coronation Hall. It will be performed at the same time on Friday and Saturday evening as well as a 1.30pm Saturday matinee show.
Director, Marlo Lomas, said:
“The kids have worked so hard and so have the crew to ensure that we put on a cracking show for the audience. So, for all you Greasers Pink Ladies out there let’s go back in time together and support these kids. You will not be disappointed.”
Tickets can be bought online, here, Boroughbridge Post Office, cafe Chez Nous and Ripon’s Realitea.
The “T-Birds”
Fire destroys BMW on A1 near BoroughbridgeA BMW was destroyed by fire on the A1 near Boroughbridge last night.
Firefighters from Harrogate, Knaresborough and Boroughbridge were called to the blaze at 9.16pm last night.
They used two hose reels and two breathing apparatus to douse the flames.
It is not believed anyone was injured but in a tweet last night North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Vehicle totally destroyed. Two hose reels and two breathing apparatus used. Believed to be due to an electrical fault.”
Plumes of smoke rising above the carriageway. Photograph: @NorthYorksFire, Twitter
It was one of two car fires in the district last night.
A crew from Boroughbridge was called when a Skoda Fabia caught fire in Minskip shortly before 8pm.
The cause is again believed to be a faulty engine.
The Skoda engine suffered fire, heat and smoke damage.
Borougbridge hotel owner plans £450,000 refurbishment
The owners of the Crown Hotel in Boroughbridge have unveiled plans for a £450,000 refurbishment.
The Coaching Inn Group took over the historic 37-bedroom hotel back in February after its parent company, RedCat Pub Company, purchased it from Best Western for an undisclosed fee.
Now, according to planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the company looks set to refurbish the site.
The plans include a range of alternations both inside and outside the hotel including creation of cycle and motorbike parking, new external hanging baskets, new signage and painting scheme and an outdoor seating area.
It also includes proposals to refurbish the current facilities, including the bar, kitchen, office and reception area and the creation of a coffee lounge.
JEH Planning, the agent which submitted the plans on behalf of Coaching Inn Group, said in a planning statement that the hotel had been in “decline as a business”.
It added:
“The Crown Hotel at Boroughbridge has been in decline as a business.
“The building has not benefitted from the level of investment commensurate with its high architectural and historic significance.
“Over the years piecemeal changes and additions have resulted in a situation that does not optimise the use of the building or serve to enhance its special character.
“The Coaching Inn Group have recently purchased the property and are keen to undertake sensitive refurbishment works. They have a significant budget of around £450,000 to invest in undertaking these works.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the planned refurbishments at a later date.