The pub entrepreneur building an empire from BoroughbridgeBusiness Breakfast: Three Boroughbridge pubs awarded national accreditation

Three Boroughbridge pubs have been awarded Cask Marque accreditation.

The award recognises the quality of the beers at the Grantham Arms, Fox and Hounds and Tap on the Tutt, based on temperature, aroma, appearance and taste.

Simon Wade, who owns the pubs, said the accreditation would help put Boroughbridge on the map as a destination for quality ales. He said:

“For all three of our pubs to get the accreditation is incredible. It means we now become part of the national Real Ale Trail which will hopefully bring new visitors to the town. Great credit to our teams at all three venues for keeping on top of cellar management and to our fantastic sponsor Rudgate Brewery.”

The three pubs offer 12 cask ales between them from breweries including Rudgate, Timothy Taylor’s and Theakstons, alongside guest beers on rotation.

Harrogate Healthcare company wins national care award

A Harrogate healthcare company has won a national award.

Vida Healthcare, which specialises in dementia care, won the accolade at the Great British Care Awards.

It won the National Three Rs (Recruitment, Retention and Recognition) award at the event. The company also won the same award last year.

James Rycroft, managing director at Vida Healthcare, said:

“We’re over the moon to have won the national Three Rs award at the Great British Care Awards – it’s a fantastic achievement and a reflection of our commitment to nurturing the future of social care talent. As part of our dedication to creating better care for people living with dementia, our long-term mission is to continue to build on our cohort of understanding and professional care workers.”

From left to right: Bernadette Mossman, healthcare director, Jill Young, operations director, James Rycroft, managing director.

Digital agency appoints new director of international

National digital agency idhl has appointed Sam Ogrizovic as Director of International to launch the firm’s first office in the US.

The company specialises in performance media, e-commerce, web development, data and email marketing.

idhl was established in Harrogate in 2000. The agency now operates nationally across the UK with offices in London, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle – employing more than 400 people.

Ogrizovic will hire a team of digital experts in the coming months, with the New York office due to open in summer 2024.

Mr Ogrizovic said:

“I’m an entrepreneurial person and there are few occasions in your career which allow you to work with a business you know well to launch a new territory from scratch. Knowing that I have the strong engine and reputation of idhl behind me is a huge advantage and I cannot wait to get going!”

Ben Wood, CEO at idhl, said:

“Sam is the perfect candidate to spearhead our US office launch, his tenacity and ability to form really strong relationships with clients as we deliver fantastic results for them is second to none. This is an extremely exciting time of growth for idhl, the potential to roll-out our products and services to the US market is huge.

Henshaws College completes outdoor classroom

Henshaws Specialist College has opened a new yurt as part of its Forest School offering.

The move follows a £25,000 donation from Barratt Developments Yorkshire East to fund an outdoor classroom.

The college provides education and care for young people aged 18-25 years old who have disabilities and complex needs.

Gemma Young, fundraising development manager at Henshaws, said:

“With the donation we were able to have a 22 ft yurt with a wood burning stove installed to base the sessions from, so the students can continue to learn outdoors, even in bad weather. We were so pleased to welcome Barratt Developments Yorkshire East to the college so they could see how far their generous donation has gone for our students and facilities.”

Henshaws Specialist College completes outdoor classroom following local housebuilder donation

Skin Clinic shortlisted in The UK Hair and Beauty Awards

Relax & Renew Skin Clinic, Green Hammerton has been shortlisted in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

The firm has been nominated in the ‘‘Skin Specialist Of The Year’ category.

The UK Hair and Beauty Awards supports businesses of all sizes, and provide candidates with opportunities in the sector.

Gemma Carlisle of Relax and Renew said:

“This business means the absolute world to me. I only started it 2.5 years ago and it has grown & grown into the thriving business that it is today! This is down to my utter determination and passion but also the support of the local community, that have truly allowed me to make my dreams come true”

Tech business nominated for national awards

Phase 4 Computers has been nominated in the Tech Awards 2024 by Tech for Techs.

The recognition acknowledges commitment to innovation, excellence, and performance in the tech industry.

The company has been nominated for a total of four awards, in the following categories: Tech For Techs Community Expert, Best Use Of Social Media, Best Tech Website (not an online store) and Best Shop Front.

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Boroughbridge pub fears energy bills could increase seven-fold

A pub landlord in Boroughbridge has said he fears his energy costs could increase seven-fold overnight amid concerns over the future of Harrogate-based energy firm CNG Group.

The Stray Ferret reported this morning that CNG is to stop supplying gas to energy customers, amid record wholesale gas prices.

It has also been reported that there is a deadline of tomorrow for organisations to submit bids to buy CNG’s small and medium-sized enterprises arm, which directly supplies gas and electricity to more than 40,000 SMEs.

One of those is the Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge. Owner Simon Wade told the Stray Ferret the move would have a major impact on his business.

Mr Wade is three years into a five-year contract with CNG, which provides gas to heat the pub at a rate of 5p a unit.

However, if the company collapses, he has been told by his energy broker that he will be placed on an emergency tariff that could be as much as seven times higher than what he currently pays.

He said:

“I’m facing a massive hike and it’s nothing to do with us. It’s a major concern”

“We’re completely shackled and it’s put us in a bad position”.

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Mr Wade said the pub had a good reputation and has been busy since reopening after lockdown but he was concerned that sky-high energy bills would eat into his takings.

He urged businesses to check their contracts or get in touch with their energy brokers to see if they are with CNG and, if so, make contingency plans, such as moving towards renewable energy.

He added:

“If you have an old building that relies on gas it eats into your budget.

“We’re backed into a corner, but we’re small fry.

“A lot of people will suffer and it’s not any of our doing.”

The Stray Ferret asked CNG for details of its current situation but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Boroughbridge hotel features in Channel 4’s Four in a Bed

A Boroughbridge hotel and restaurant is set to feature in next week’s episodes of Four in a Bed.

The Channel 4 programme follows four sets of hotel owners as they travel around the country to experience and examine each other’s businesses.

Beginning on Monday, Simon Wade, owner of the Grantham Arms and manager Joseph Mackie-Graves, will appear on the show.

The pair said it was a “fantastic experience” and they still remain in contact with the other participants.

The show tracks the pairs over five episodes from Monday to Friday.

As well as looking round the hotel, the hosts take their guests on an excursion. Simon and Joseph took their guests to Mother Shipton’s Cave.

Grantham Arms exterior

Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge.

The episodes were filmed in September 2020 in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Simon Wade said:

“It was very exciting to be a part of the show, definitely out of the norm. It took us to various other parts of the country where we got to meet some fantastic owners. The other competitors all stayed in their own double en-suite bedroom at the Grantham.

“The experience was pretty special because it is two weeks out of your life but you’re experiencing things from a perspective as business owners to find any ideas that they’ve got that you don’t use and vice versa.”

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The other hotels and bed and breakfasts were based in Southport, Derbyshire and Coxwold in North Yorkshire.

The final episode of the week will see the hoteliers discuss the feedback they received and see how much each pair thought their room was worth.

The show is aired 5pm every weeknight.

Stray Foodie: Grantham Arms, Boroughbridge

Stray Foodie is a bi-monthly food review written by Michelin-starred chef, Frances Atkins. In 1997, Frances opened the Yorke Arms near Pateley Bridge, where she was the owner for 20 years. During her ownership, she held her Michelin-star status for 16 of those years.

Grantham Arms, Milby, Boroughbridge YO51 9BW

 

Frances’ Meal: Starter: Garlic Prawns with Samphire £9.95 Main Course: Steak Pie £14.95  Glass of Picpoul: £4.30

The Grantham Arms is a grey painted building that stands on a roundabout as you enter Boroughbridge. I suspect it was once a charming coaching inn but now at the side of a very busy road – not the most salubrious positions. Its fake grass and fairy lights make a statement.

The welcome I received from the young man behind the bar, Sam, was exemplary. It was a busy bar with guests of all ages.

I was with a friend who is the head of a hospitality department at a university. A young lady called Jess showed us to our table and looked after our experience for the duration of the evening. There were brown leather chairs, square tables, candles and bric-a-brac throughout. I imagine in the evening it would be very atmospheric.

The front room of Grantham Arms.

Jess was warm, friendly, with an extensive knowledge of the menu, which catered for all tastes.

To start with we shared Garlic Prawns with Samphire. The Samphire would have welcomed a little less heat.

She advised us that the Pies were a speciality and the thing to have. So, I had the steak pie which was well-made with good pastry and generously presented. I am not sure if the blue cheese in the gravy worked with such good ingredients; it might suit someone with a more robust palate. The cooking of the vegetables was excellent which is a rare achievement.

Would you like Frances to review your restaurant or cafe? 

From pop-up to fine dining, Frances would like to hear from you. If you’d like her to write a review on your food, send her an email to: foodie@thestrayferret.co.uk.

The Chicken Supreme, which my friend ordered, was of grand proportions with a well-made sauce. I was assured it tasted good. However, I would have liked to have seen it looking more comfortable in the sauce with thinly sliced mushrooms, chopped chives and sliced to add a little elegance.

The choice of wines were very limited and they would have benefited from a wider selection of grape variety to balance with the dishes on offer.

The Dessert Menu looked tempting but unfortunately, we were too full. It looked interesting and was the sort of menu that meant no waste for the kitchen. Perhaps a seasonal weekly dessert might be a thought. A Syrup & Apple Sponge or similar nursery pudding for the winter the months might be a popular idea for their regulars.

The atmosphere was young and vibrant and made by the service staff. Such courtesy is always a pleasure to receive.

The outside seating area.

The kitchen, given suitable direction, has the makings of a successful brigade, although, I was disappointed to find the Head Chef was not on duty at the time of my visit, nor was any form of senior management.

If you are hungry the pricing is of very good value and you won’t be disappointed. I am sure it will increase in popularity as a neighbourhood restaurant. In these difficult times, it is a place to be valued.

To find out more about Grantham Arms click here. To read more about Frances’ fantastic career click here.

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Discount scheme extended in district restaurants

As the Eat Out To Help Out scheme comes to an end today, its success has led some local restaurants to extend it at their own expense.

The scheme has allowed restaurants and cafes to boost their profits after being forced to close during lockdown.

Restaurants in the district extending the scheme include:

Customers should contact the restaurant regarding the offer prior to booking.

Simon Wade, owner of The Grantham Arms in Boroughbridge, said:

“It’s been phenomenal – it’s been like having a six-day weekend. We’ve had to bring in new suppliers as many just didn’t realise it would be this busy.

“In terms of money, we lost £250,000 of turnover during lockdown. The scheme has drastically increased our turnover but we have had to employ more staff.

“We are introducing our own scheme – I just think we can’t not piggy back on the back of something so successful. We know everyone loves a bargain and I am pleased to offer it.”

Interior of The West Park Hotel, Harrogate

Both restaurants are extending the scheme in order to capitalise the surge in bookings it has encouraged.

The owner of The Empress on the Stray, Sharon Colgan, said:

“Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout August have been a real success changing people’s perspective on early-week dining. We are hopeful it will continue through September and we will look at possibly extending until the end of the year if it continues to be a success.”

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The West Park Hotel is extending the scheme in celebration of its owner Provenance’s 10th anniversary.

Anthony Blundell, assistant general manager, said:

“It has gone incredibly well – it’s been like having Saturdays at the beginning of the week. Lunch and dinners have been much busier, we’ve had to take on more staff to cover demand.

“We’ve had a lot of people who may not have come before the scheme. We saw a high increase in sales, 120 at night and 60 to 80 diners for lunch, whereas before it was around 20. We lost three months of sales and had renovations so it’s good to start paying that back.

“Extending the discount is a great thing and it gives people who missed out the chance to give it a go.”

Boroughbridge’s size makes customers “feel more than safe”

Boroughbridge was busy this afternoon as the hospitality sector reopened its doors, many of those returning to the town’s pubs and hotels felt safer in the town due to its small size.

Customers enjoyed the sun this afternoon, with pubs seeing groups of people sat outside to have a meal or a drink. All complying with the safety measures, many of the customers were able to regain a little normality as pubs and hotels reopened their doors.

Hospitality workers in the town watched as their new safety measures were complied with by customers. Several customers at the Grantham Arms commented on how safe they felt within the small town compared to how they would feel if they visited a busier area in the district.

Kirsty Lodge told The Stray Ferret:

“I think if you were inside somewhere with a lot of strangers it would be a bit uncomfortable. We know the place so it feels easier there’s lot of things in place but it doesn’t stop you enjoying a drink. I think because its one of those places where you know everyone it’s great.

Sam Stoddart agreed:

“I feel more than safe here. I can think of places I’ve worked before where I know social distancing would be different, but here its good. I’m happy to be back and feel very safe here.”

June Glasper owns a static caravan in the town and was eager to return today, she said:

“I’m feeling apprehensive, we have a static caravan site and that reopened today too. I don’t know if I’d have gone into a pub at home in Sunderland but here I feel safe. Being in a little place like this it makes me feel comfortable.”

The Crown Hotel Boroughbridge with screens at its reception desk.

The Crown Hotel also reopened today with staff and guests happy to be back.

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Tourism is also a big contributor to the town, Tracey Campbell is the duty manager for The Crown Hotel. She was happy with the numbers of people booking rooms eager to return to the town:

“I was nervous and excited I just wanted to reopen The Crown’s doors again to re-establish its place in the community. We’ve put all the measures in but we just want to get the balance right between welcoming the guest and being a little bit clinical, which we don’t want. The guests are more than happy to be back too so it’s just absolutely fantastic.”

Simon Wade owner of Grantham Arms said:

“I was relieved to be opening today because we’ve all been working hard to get it ready. I think it could be a bit confusing for our regular customers because it has changed with the one way system but everyone is complying. It’s going to take a couple of weeks for people to see the reactions to us all reopening, but it shouldn’t take too long for then to find the confidence to return.”