Harrogate clothes shop closes for refurbishment

A prominent James Street store has closed to undergo refurbishment.

The unit at 20-22 James Street houses two shops, Monsoon, with the James Street entrance and sister shop, Accessorize with the Marketplace store front.

Monsoon & Accessorize is currently closed, but the Stray Ferret understands the store is due to reopen after a refit.

The store is listed as permanently closed on Google, which raised confusion around the shop returning.

The Stray Ferret contacted the company for confirmation but Monsoon Accessorize declined to comment, stating that commenting on shop openings and closures is against company policy.

The women’s fashion retailer currently has notices displayed in both windows, which say “sorry, we’re closed but this isn’t goodbye forever” and “be right back”.

It comes as the company submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council for new signage this year.

London based Adena Services Ltd applied for a ‘halo lit fascia signage to existing retail unit’. The new signage is proposed to be coral, gold and illuminated.

Proposed shop front

The unit is the second shop on James Street to have closed for refit and later appear on Commercial Rightmove in recent weeks.

The Rightmove listing describes the site as:

“Available on a new full repairing and insuring lease for a term of years to be agreed in multiples of 5 with 5 yearly upward only rent reviews.”

The closed sign currently displayed in Monsoon’s window

The company behind Monsoon Accessorize was founded in the 1970s but went into administration in 2020 due to trading issues during the pandemic and closed multiple stores across the country.

The Harrogate store survived the closures after company founder Peter Simon brought Monsoon Accessorize out of administration.

Accessorize storefront Harrogate

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Cold Bath Road restaurant asks for outdoor seating until 11pm

La Feria in Harrogate has asked North Yorkshire Council for permission to allow outdoor seating until 11pm between April and September.

The restaurant offers Spanish cuisine from the Andalusia region and opened on Cold Bath Road in 2016 after moving from a smaller premises on Royal Parade.

La Feria, which is the trading name of Whaddya Know? Ltd, had a temporary licence for outdoor seating until 11pm last summer which owner Jeremy Verity would now like to make permanent.

Currently, customers are allowed to sit outside until 9pm.

The building was previously a pub for many years and was known as the Old Tradition, the Honest Lawyer and the Iron Duke.

Councillors on the licensing sub-committee will meet on Friday in Harrogate to consider the application.

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The application has received three objections from residents living near the restaurant who all say it should be refused due to noise.

One person said:

 “We have a young family and it is important that we are able to live in a peaceful residential environment. If the restaurant was operating as they intended with their new application, we would not have purchased this house. It will significantly impact our peace and quiet and the ability of our young child to sleep.”

Mr Verity wrote in the application: 

“We are currently permitted to use the terraced area in front of the restaurant until 21.00 because of an environmental protection condition on our license which prohibits us from using the terrace between 21.00 – 11.00. We would like to remove this condition to be able to use the terrace until 23.00 from Monday to Saturday.

“Realistically, this will only be during the summer months, from April to September, during the lighter evenings. We have successfully operated the terrace area in previous summers until 23.00 through the use of Temporary Event Notices (TENS) and would now like to formalise this activity if possible.”

The meeting will take place at 2pm on Friday at Harrogate’s Civic Centre. It will be streamed live on YouTube.

New pilates studio to open in Harrogate next week

The latest addition to Harrogate’s fitness and wellbeing scene will open next week.

Harrogate Pilates Studio, based on Claro Court Business Centre, will offer a range of pilates classes, including reformer, matt, stretch bar and yoga.

Owner Emma Ryder, 26, has spent her life dancing. She began aged three and went on to become a professional dancer.

Despite finding work on cruise ships and on TV, she told the Stray Ferret it was lockdown that pushed her to find her true passion: pilates.

She said:

“I spent lockdown doing my matt pilates qualification and have been teaching it since 2021. It was then that I had a moment of ‘wow, this is what I really love’.

“I love it because I can apply a lot of my dance knowledge into my work.”

The reformer machines.

The former Harrogate Grammar School pupil then completed her reformer pilates training in 2022 and has since taught in local gyms and to private clients.

She said it is thanks to growing up in Harrogate that she has managed to build a client base here, adding several clients would “always suggest” opening her own studio.

Ms Ryder told the Stray Ferret she wants to deliver a smaller, more personal service in Harrogate and create a “community”, rather than a “come to the studio and leave environment”.

She added:

“In places like London, there can be just inches between the matts or reformer machines. It’s much more personal here.

“I wanted to create a space in which I can interact with all the people in the room – it’s a high-end service and the space and session should reflect that.

“I’d love it to be the kind of place where you end up knowing the person on the reformer machine next to you!”

Harrogate Pilates Studio boasts six reformer pilates machines, each costing £3,000, as well as eight matt spaces.

Ms Ryder will teach classes along with three other freelance teachers.

She told the Stray Ferret:

“In my opinion, everyone should do pilates. It’s so good for posture, for strength and endurance – everything!

“This studio is also a great place to start if you’re new to it because it’s such small groups and you won’t feel like you’re getting lost. It’s an inclusive space, which is exactly what I hoped for because I know reformer can look scary at first.”

Ms Ryder added she is feeling “nervous but excited and optimistic” about the opening.

All equipment is available to use at the studio, Ms Ryder said, adding people do not have to bring their own matts but can if they would like.

Drop-in reformer sessions cost £20, while drop-in matt sessions cost £10.

A matt membership, which offers unlimited matt classes, will set people back £65 per month, and a monthly reformer membership costs between £65 and £110 dependent on the number of sessions.

Harrogate Pilates Studio will open its door on Wednesday, May 1. Classes will be held throughout the day from Monday to Thursday and Saturdays.

It is based in Unit 5 on the business park, next to Doors Direct. Bookings are now open.

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Empty Harrogate bar unit could finally have a new tenant

North Yorkshire Council says it has accepted an offer to rent out the former Potting Shed bar unit in Harrogate which has stood empty for more than five years.

The unit is next to JD Wetherspoon and is part of the vast council-owned Royal Baths estate. The council had it on the market for £120,000 a year.

The Potting Shed closed in 2019 after less than a year in Harrogate when its parent company went into administration.

The building was previously home to Rift & Co and Revolution and spans 7,000 square feet.

In February, the council confirmed that it had accepted an offer on the former Viper Rooms building, which is also part of the Royal Baths, however, the leases on both units are yet to be signed.

The Grade II listed Baths was purchased by North Yorkshire County Council in 2018 however its value has fallen from £9.5m before the covid pandemic to £7m today, according to a report.

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The council’s director of finance Gary Fielding blamed the drop in how much the building is worth on a “general drop in market sentiment” towards the retail and night-time sectors.

The council moved the Tourist Information Centre from the Royal Baths to the Pump Room museum earlier this year which could raise £40,000 a year in rental income.

Mr Fielding said there has been interest in the former Tourist Information Centre office and prospective tenants will be shown around in the next week.

Call for retailers to get involved with Harrogate fashion show

Retailers have been called on to get involved with this year’s Harrogate fashion show.

Harrogate Business Improvement District is once again organising the event with the Stray Ferret as media partner for the second year.

The celebration of fashion will again feature a pop-up catwalk on the piazza outside the Victoria Shopping Centre on May 18.

The catwalk will feature new categories alongside favourites from last year, including wedding dresses, activewear, the summer season and clothing.

Now, Harrogate BID is set to host a meeting on April 24 at 4pm at Starling Cafe to help inform retailers on how they can get involved with the event.

Then, on Wednesday May 1, the team have organised an ‘Open Office’ day to allow those who cannot make the initial meeting to learn more about how they can take part.

The BID is also looking for models and influencers to join to help show off the Harrogate fashion offer and spread the word about the event.

Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive at Harrogate BID, said: 

“We’re really excited to be hosting the Harrogate Celebration of Fashion for a second year running after a really successful event last year.

“The event truly champions Harrogate’s retail offer but also celebrates the hospitality and professional services sector as we saw from last year’s event, with the likes of Nicholls Tyreman and Howdens Insurance taking to the stage.

“It’s a really great event to be part of with a great community feel.”

If you would like to attend the meeting on April 24, register here or contact the BID team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk.

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Knaresborough health and beauty week begins today

Knaresborough’s first health and beauty week begins today.

Sixteen businesses are involved in the venture, which runs from April 22 to Sunday, April 28.

It is one of many events being organised this year by Knaresborough Business Collective.

The collective was set up by independent traders Natalie Horner and Annie Wilkinson-Gill in 2021. The health and beauty week has been created to showcase Knaresborough’s beauty venues.

The event follows the Knaresborough Business Collective’s first week of exclusive offers, Knaresborough food and drink week, in March.

Similar to the food and drink week, the beauty event will give people cut-price deals throughout the week. Salons, clinics and wellness shops will have a range of exclusive offers, many of which are yet to be announced.

Loft salon Knaresborough, is one of the locations offering discounted treatments

In an interview with the Stray Ferret, prior to the Knaresborough food and drink week, Ms Horner said:

“There are so many amazing businesses in Knaresborough it is just a case of showcasing what we have to offer and drawing people in.

“We have launched to event to show what is on offer in Knaresborough, sometimes people get stuck in a routine and need to be shown what options they have. Sometimes people don’t realise these places even exist, so it helps to put them on the map.

“All the businesses are so different they have lots to offer and we had to make sure there was a mutual benefit.”

The collective has also revealed plans to run another event, a retail week in the run-up to the Knaresborough Business Awards in summer.

Deals for this week will be updated daily and shared to the Knaresborough Business Collective Facebook page. Participating businesses will also put posters in their windows.

The Yorkshire Beeswax Candle Co will have offers this week.

The businesses involved are:

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Business Breakfast: New managing partner announced at law firm after 30 years

LCF Law has announced that managing partner Simon Stell, who has led the firm for almost 30 years, is to step down from the role.

The firm has announced that partner and disputes specialist Ragan Montgomery will take the position.

Mr Stell joined LCF Law in 1995, when it was known as Last Cawthra Feather before becoming LCF Law in 2014. He will continue to work with Ms Montgomery to assist with the handover. He will continue with the firm, acting as a mentor.

In her new role, Ms Montgomery will be responsible for overseeing LCF Law’s operations and leading the firm’s client service, growth and development strategies. She has worked at LCF Law since 2003 and is currently operational head of the firm’s Dispute Resolution department.

Ms Montgomery said:

 “After joining the firm 21 years ago as an assistant solicitor, to be appointed managing partner is a huge honour and it’s a challenge that I’m really looking forward to as we strive to build on our enviable reputation in Yorkshire and beyond.

Mr Stell said:

“Over the many years that I have been with LCF Law, there have been lots of changes, but we have always had a firm eye on the future.

“One thing we were certain about was that law would still be a people business and we’ve worked hard to build a great team. I’m proud to remain a part of it in my new role. I very much look forward to supporting Ragan and continuing to be a dedicated contributor to LCF Law’s ongoing success.”

Toy shop opens in Boroughbridge

Coco & Bear Boroughbridge

Coco & Bear, a new toy shop in Boroughbridge has officially opened.

The store sells eco-friendly gifts and sensory items in the former Clairemarie fashion store on Horsefair. The shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10-4pm.

Store founder and owner Alyss Jones said:

“I am very excited to have officially opened the doors to my toy shop Coco & Bear. Boroughbridge is a beautiful town, and we are very proud to be a part of such a friendly community. The local support has been amazing. We would love anyone who is passing to pop in and say hello.”

Coco & Bear interior

Creative and digital agency appoint new marketing manager

Josh Dodd, Show & Tell marketing manager.

Yorkshire branding, creative and digital agency, Show + Tell, has announced Josh Dodd as the agency’s marketing manager.

Mr Dodd will be responsible for Show + Tell’s marketing and content strategies, brand development and tactical campaigns.

Previously Mr Dodd was commercial marketing coordinator at CMS Distribution, a supplier of business and consumer technologies.

Charlie Hartley, founder and CEO of Show + Tell said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to the Show + Tell team. His impressive background in B2B marketing and his passion for creativity and innovation make him the perfect fit for this role. It’s a significant hire for us as an agency, and we are confident that Josh will make significant contributions to our marketing efforts and help us achieve our goals for growth and success.”

Mr Dodd said:

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at Show + Tell. The agency’s commitment to creativity, innovation and excellence aligns perfectly with my own values and aspirations, and it’s exciting to be part of an organisation that has just received two industry awards for the Best B2B Website. I’m looking forward to driving impactful marketing initiatives that contribute to the continued success and growth of Show + Tell.”

Harrogate accountants expand firm

Graham and Liz from Wild & Co Chartered Accountants 

Wild & Co Chartered Accountants has expanded its office space in Windsor House over the past two years and doubled the size of its team.

Liz Wild founded the firm in 2009 and now the company has 7 staff and looks after clients in Harrogate, Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford, Halifax and South Yorkshire.

Ms Wild said:

“We set out to fill a gap for businesses that are looking for a proactive accountancy partner to work with them throughout the year and give them greater visibility over their business numbers.Last year we introduced a Growth Hub for clients with a programme of workshops, webinars and news bulletins to support business growth and we regularly share knowledge about new apps and software that streamline management information.”

“Even though digital accountancy is more widespread now than it was when we started out 15 years ago, we are still one of the few firms embracing all the possibilities it offers and keeping clients fully up-to-date on how technology can move them forward. As we continue to expand our own business, we are looking forward to helping our clients to grow theirs too and to enjoy doing so.”

Have some news to share about your business? Send it to us at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Preloved clothing shop to open in Harrogate today

A clothes shop selling preloved, designer and high-street womenswear is due to launch in Harrogate today (April 18).

Preloved Chic Harrogate will be located in Windsor House on Cornwall Road. The business is co-owned by Harrogate women Cat Stanford, 52, and Kate Watts, 49 who said they aim to offer the town’s shoppers a sustainable alternative.

Ms Stanford has been in the fashion industry for over 30 years and has been offering a preloved service for the past four years. The duo met when Ms Watts was a customer and proposed becoming a business partner.

The move to Windsor House marks a new start for the business.

Windsor House was built as a hotel in 1900 and is now used mainly as contemporary office space.

It underwent a refurbishment to create a co-working space, meeting area and café in 2022.

The building, which overlooks the town’s Valley Gardens, is home to over 100 businesses, and covers 75,000 sq ft.

Inside Preloved Chic

Ms Stanford and Ms Watts said in a joint statement:

“Harrogate lacks a place where ladies can come and shop for amazing pieces at greatly discounted prices, you can buy a Stella McCartney Jacket for less than a third of the original price and a beautiful dress from Zara new with tags.

“Everything that we sell is preloved with most of it never worn, still with the original tags. Sustainability and recycling is huge now and we felt that we needed to offer this to the ladies of Harrogate.”

The store will be open every day except Mondays. Personal shopping appointments will be available in store.

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Harrogate pub set to rebrand

The Swan on Devonshire Place in Harrogate is to be rebranded by new owners.

The Harrogate pub will reopen as The Mucky Duck, under the ownership of Appetite for Life Ltd.

The company also run SO! bars in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, the Devonshire Tap House in Harrogate and Tap On Tower Street in Harrogate.

The High Harrogate venue was previously owned by Market Town Taverns, a Harrogate company which operates a chain of pubs in Yorkshire and north-west England.

An application for a pavement licence has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council by Robert Thompson, who is named as the licensee of Appetite for Life Ltd on Companies House. He and Alison Thompson are the new owners of the venue.

The application, which was submitted at the start of the month, is for ‘the ability to place several tables and chairs outside the front of the premises for the sale of food, drinks and alcohol’.

The new signage is set to go up this week with the pub expected to open in May, although there is no confirmed date at this time.

Mr Thompson said:

“We knew the area lacked a good quality pub, serving great freshly prepared British & pub classics with a modern flare, great familiar beers, and a proper friendly welcome, so that’s what we plan to do”.

 

“We have made Harrogate our home since the mid-nineties and knew the pub was known as The Black Swan before it was the Swan on the Stray but was affectionately known as the Mucky Duck by locals. We wanted to modernise the pub a bit, but with a nod to its past, hence adopting the locals nickname for the pub”.

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E-cigarette shop opens in Knaresborough

An e-cigarette shop has opened on Knaresborough High Street.

Kings Lites is based in the former Yorkshire Building Society unit that has been vacant since 2018.

The e-cigarette specialist already has two stores in York and is looking at opening a fourth site, with Harrogate on its radar.

Former professional boxer Zak Collins, founder and director of Kings Lites, said the store aimed to help smokers quit and move onto e-cigarettes.

Mr Collins said:

“It is a healthier alternative to smoking and saves you a fortune. Cigarettes now cost around £17 a pack, if you switch to e-cigarettes you are saving around £120 a week if you smoke a pack a day, that can add up to a family holiday.

“It is also better for the environment and we have recyclable vape bins in our stores.”

Mr Collins said he grew up following a healthy lifestyle but his parents smoked and he watched his mum struggle to quit using replacement products.

When she eventually managed it using an e-cigarette, Mr Collins had his “lightbulb moment” and opened the Acomb store in York to help others.

‘We have received a lot of hate’

A social media post by the company announcing its opening said the Knaresborough shop would “help, serve and advise the local community on living a much healthier and finically beneficial lifestyle”.

Mr Collins said a 2021 NHS review found people who used e-cigarettes to quit smoking were up to twice as likely to succeed as people who used other nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum.

But he added there remained a stigma around e-cigarette stores. When Kings Lites announced its new location, it received a backlash on this Knaresborough Facebook group for what it does and its colourful frontage.

Mr Collins said:

“It is completely shocking, the shops in York have always gone down really well. We have received a lot of hate opening the new shop and it is difficult to understand and quite insulting.

“There is a market for us in Knaresborough and we offer a huge selection. The shop is a big change for the High Street but things are bound to change and the colour is just to draw people in, the ones in York are the same.

“I just hope people will give us a chance to show who we are. We haven’t set out to upset anyone or be garish we are just trying to help people quit smoking and give the people of Knaresborough a healthier alternative.”

Mr Collins didn’t comment on today’s vote to ban smoking and vaping for children born since 2009 but said:

“Children vaping is horrendous and the entire industry gets tarnished because of it. We take pride in offering people a healthier alternative.”

He said the company planned to “strike while the iron is hot” by expanding, adding it was looking at potential sites in the Harrogate area to open its fourth store.

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