Business Breakfast: Graveleys fish and chip restaurant opens in Harrogate

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

Harrogate fish and chip shop Graveleys has re-opened its restaurant as its comeback gathers pace.

The local institution, which chat show host Michael Parkinson described as his favourite restaurant, appeared to have served its last customer when it closed in November 2019.

But last year’s demise of the ill-fated Catch Seafood venture that took its place paved the way for owner Simon Pilkington to bring Graveleys back to life.

The takeaway reopened last month and this week the restaurant followed suit.

It is open five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday, but will also open on selected Sundays — including Mother’s Day this weekend.

Graveleys

The restaurant on Cheltenham Parade has an alcohol licence and will focus on good value, no frills fish and chips.

Mr Pilkington said Mother’s Day and Easter were among Graveleys’ busiest times of the year and he was excited to see the business fully operational again.

Harrogate company buys land for student accommodation in York

A Harrogate property company has bought land in York to build new purpose built student accommodation.

Gregory Properties, which is based at Cardale Park, has purchased a strategic site on Foss Islands Road in the city.

A street view of the plan for the accommodation by Gregory Properties.

A street view of the plan for the accommodation by Gregory Properties.

The land was previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and sits between both the University of York and York St John University.

The firm has drawn up plans to build a 138-room student accommodation with seven communal rooms, as well as car and cycle parking.

John McGhee, director and head of residential at Gregory Properties, said:

“Our commitment to York as an evolving city is long standing and we are passionate about repurposing brownfield sites in a sustainable way to support modern day use. This site is a prime example of an under-developed site with old, tired and outmoded buildings but well located for student provision.

“We know that York has one of the worst shortages of student accommodation in the UK. Affordable accommodation for students is a priority for both Universities in attracting young talent and with this scheme, we hope that we can deliver against at least a small part of the current shortage.”

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Harrogate Turkish Baths bans nude bathers

Swimwear has been made compulsory for all sessions at Turkish Baths Harrogate following a complaint to the police.

Until this week, clothing was optional at two single sex sessions for men and women each week. It is compulsory at mixed sessions.

But a spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council, which runs the Victorian venue, said:

“Following a complaint at Turkish Baths Harrogate, an operational decision has been made that swimwear is now compulsory at all bathing sessions.

“The complaint related to an incident which due to its serious nature has been reported to the police and is currently being investigated.

“We have a duty of care to our customers and staff members, and in order for all single sex sessions to operate in a safe environment, it has been decided that swimwear must be worn until further notice.”

Harrogate's Turkish Baths.

The Moorish design

The council issued the statement after a bather, who regularly attends men-only sessions unclothed, alerted local media to the change.

The person, who asked to remain anonymous, said recent attendees of single sex sessions received emails yesterday informing them of the change with immediate effect, with no consultation.

He also pointed out the ‘bathing etiquette’ section on the Turkish baths’ website had been amended to say ‘swimwear is compulsory at all sessions (including single-sex sessions)’.

The person said the majority of people at male-only sessions preferred not to wear clothes because they found them uncomfortable.

He added he would monitor the situation in light of the complaint to see whether the unclothed option was reintroduced.

The baths, which has Islamic arches and screens as part of its Moorish design, opened in 1897 and have been fully restored with a plunge pool, steam room and sauna as well as rooms of various temperatures to relax in.

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Council transport boss criticises ‘hardline cycle lobby’ in Harrogate

The councillor in charge of transport at North Yorkshire County Council has criticised a “hardline cycle lobby” in Harrogate as he reflected on the decision to scrap two high-profile active travel schemes.

Cllr Keane Duncan gave a wide-ranging presentation to members of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce at the Harrogate Convention Centre on Monday night.

In January, it was confirmed the second phase of the Otley Road cycle path in Harrogate will be shelved due to negative feedback received in a public consultation.

It would have followed the first phase from Harlow Moor Road to Arthur’s Avenue that was completed last year but received widespread criticism due to a design that asks cyclists to weave on-and-off the pavement.

This has led to some cyclists choosing to ignore the route and use the road instead with critics in the consultation likening it to a crazy golf course.

Keane Duncan at Harrogate chamber

Cllr Keane Duncan addressed the Station Gateway and active travel schemes at the event.

Cllr Duncan said the proposals for phase 2 received negative feedback from not only motorists but from pedestrians and cyclists too. 

He said:

“For me that was strong and compelling evidence why we should not proceed.”

The executive member for highways said when moving forward with new active travel proposals in the town he will be “listening to everybody and not just those who shout the loudest”. 

He added:

“It has become clear there is a hardline cycle lobby who, in my view, do not speak for everyday cyclists in Harrogate.”

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The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked a spokesperson for campaign group Harrogate District Cycle Action if it would like to respond to Cllr Duncan’s comments but they declined.

Cllr Duncan also spoke about why the council decided to end the Beech Grove Low Traffic Neighbourhood trial in August 2022 after 18 months.

He said the scheme “became a symbol of anti-active travel sentiment” so the planters were removed to allow the council to take stock and consider what to do next in the area. 

He added:

“Everybody said no matter what the feedback was we’d continue no matter what. I came into post and the modal filters were removed giving us a chance to look again.”

What’s next for active travel in Harrogate?

Despite the council not moving forward with plans at Beech Grove and Otley Road, it announced in February it will be submitting another bid through the government’s Active Travel Fund.

It will seek £1.08m of initial funding to create segregated cycleways on Victoria Avenue in Harrogate.

The council will also be asking for a further £1.65m to add segregated cycle lanes on the existing cycle route between Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future

Leon has confirmed its Harrogate restaurant will close in just over two weeks’ time — as speculation mounts over the site’s future.

The Stray Ferret revealed this week the Wetherby Road fast food venue would cease trading, with the loss of about 20 jobs, on April 2.

Staff were informed of the decision on Monday.

A Leon spokesperson said today:

“We’re confirming we have decided to close the doors of Leon Harrogate on Wetherby Road. Our last trading day will be April 2.

“Guests will still be able to get their Leon fix at the drive-thru in Gildersome, and at the Leon Leeds Station restaurant.”

Retailer EG Group operates sites with franchise partners including Starbucks, Greggs and KFC in the UK.

It considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.

Our Facebook post about Leon’s closure generated about 400 replies, with people eager to know what will follow.

Some local residents had objected to the site being used as a fast food restaurant because of its proximity to homes and the busy junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive.

Vehicles will stop using the site after April 2 — but it could only be a temporary pause until a new business moves in.

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Power cut hits hundreds of homes in Harrogate district

Northern Powergrid has said it aims to restore electricity by 4pm today after a widespread power outage in the Harrogate district.

The company, which manages the electricity network, reported cuts in Harrogate and in many rural areas to the west in Nidderdale this morning. The number of homes affected in total is not known.

The Curious Cow of Harrogate pub, on the edge of Killinghall, posted on social media that it was unable to serve lunches today due to the situation.

Northern Powergrid’s live power cuts map indicated properties were affected in Harrogate and nearby villages, including Birstwith, Menwith Hill, Kettlesing and Darley.

The message accompanying notifications said:

“We’ve had to switch off the power for safety purposes whilst our engineers work on the cables and equipment that serves your area. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”

#Powercut in #HG3 affecting 15 customers. #TeamPowergrid are working hard to restore power and estimate to have all customers restored by 4pm. Report your power cut online to be kept updated at https://t.co/q94zD0HFnk. pic.twitter.com/Yc8OhkJf3N

— Northern Powergrid (@Northpowergrid) March 15, 2023

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Hundreds of job losses as Harrogate company goes under

As many as 450 people have lost their jobs after Harrogate telemarketing company Amvoc crashed into administration, leaving employees in shock today. 

Staff received an email at 10pm last night from chief executive Damian Brockway informing them all the company’s offices, in Harrogate, Leeds and Manchester, would close with immediate effect, citing “covid debts” as the cause. 

The email, seen by the Stray Ferret, said: 

“We have appointed administrators with immediate effect who will now be responsible for paying wages this week and all outstanding bonuses.

“I am gutted. Words fail me.

“Unfortunately our covid debts were too high and repayments not high enough. We have been issued with immediate request to pay all outstanding within seven days which is impossible.

“I cannot tell you how upset this makes me.”

The speed of the company’s demise surprised many – it was still advertising for new staff as recently as last week – and staff expressed their shock in social media posts. One said:

“I, as many others will be during this time, am now frantically looking for work. With huge overheads, a small child to support and a mortgage to pay, I am very concerned about the coming weeks.”

Mr Brockway set up Amvoc, the trading name of A Marketing Vocation Ltd, from a small office in Dacre in 2010. It sold telemarketing services, initially in the legal sector, and grew rapidly, moving first to Pateley Bridge and then to large offices at New York Mills near Summerbridge. 

It opened a new head office on Cardale Park in Harrogate in 2015, a facility in Leeds in 2018 and an office in Manchester in 2022.  It also had plans to expand to London.

Amvoc’s clients have included BP, Barclays, Virgin Media, Leeds Beckett University, and both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. 

The company has been approached for comment. 

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Laughing gas discovery fuels fears for young people in Harrogate district

A dog walker has expressed concern after discovering 10 canisters of laughing gas dumped by the side of the road.

John Chadwick stumbled across the canisters on the rural Gravelly Hill Lane in Huby.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the second most-used drug among UK 16- to 24-year-olds. It can induce euphoria and relaxation, as well as hallucinations.

The drug can lead to various health problems but is not currently illegal to possess. However, selling it to children is prohibited.

Mr Chadwick said this was the first time he’d seen the canisters and it “highlights what I believe is becoming an increasing health and behavioural issue predominately amongst younger people”.

He added:

“I’ve heard lots about it on phone-ins, I guess maybe I didn’t expect it in a rural environment. In that sense it was a bit of a shock – a bit like seeing a few old fridges dumped. A violation of our village.

“I am concerned that what could be seen as some harmless fun could escalate into something worse.

“Had somebody driven to this place to inhale the gas for fun and then driven off? In that case there is a danger to the perpetrator and others. Or was it just littering?”

laughing gas nitrous oxide Huby

The canisters were dumped by the side of a rural lane.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“There are significant dangers associated with using nitrous oxide. Inhaling it can lead to unconsciousness and ultimately suffocation as the body is essentially starved of oxygen.

“There is also evidence to show that people with heart conditions can be at risk of higher harm and that inhalation can lead to anaemia or long-term nerve damage.

“We would ask parents to be vigilant for the signs that their children may be purchasing the substance online.

“Anyone who is found guilty of supplying nitrous oxide could face up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine.”

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Teenager pleads not guilty to murder of Seb Mitchell in Harrogate

A 16-year-old boy has pleaded not guilty after being charged with the murder of Seb Mitchell in Harrogate.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denied the charge at a hearing at Leeds Crown Court this morning.

It follows an incident on Claro Road in the early hours of Sunday, February 19, where Seb Mitchell, 17, was found at a property on the street with injuries.

He died at Leeds General Infirmary two days later. He would have turned 18 on February 28.

The 16-year-old is due to reappear before Leeds Crown Court on July 7 this year.

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Harrogate fast food restaurant Leon to close

Harrogate fast food venue Leon is to close — just nine months after opening.

The Mediterranean-inspired drive-thru and restaurant opened on Wetherby Road at the end of June.

There were concerns that having a drive-thru close to the junction of Wetherby Road and Hookstone Drive would cause traffic problems.

But they failed to materialise and staff were informed yesterday the site will close on April 2.

A source, who asked not to be named, said:

“It is purely down to low sales to my knowledge, it has never been as busy as you would expect a new restaurant to be.”

About 20 staff, most of whom are part-time, are affected by the news. The source added:

“There was some discussion about other job roles in the EG group, which owns Leon, but it wasn’t clear exactly what would happen.”

Leon’s closure will prompt speculation about the future of the site.

EG Group had considered opening a Starbucks on the site and may be tempted to revive those plans.

EG Group is the UK’s largest operator of KFC, Greggs and Starbucks franchises.

It has transformed the derelict former dentist site and installed electric vehicle charging points. There is a large car parking area.

The Stray Ferret has approached Leon for comment.

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Business Breakfast: Pavilions of Harrogate secures high-end retail events

It’s time to join the Stray Ferret Business Club. The third in our series of networking events in association with The Coach and Horses in Harrogate is a lunch event on March 30 from 12.30pm.

Don’t miss out on this chance to network with businesses from across the Harrogate district. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

The Pavilions of Harrogate has secured new high-end retail events for this year.

The venue, which is based at the Great Yorkshire Showground, has announced it is set to host the Sweaty Betty Sale, Joules Sale and the Boden Sale.

In the first quarter of the year Pavilions will host 150 events ranging from retail sales, to funerals, dinners and conferences.

The Sweaty Betty Sale starts at 1:30pm on Monday 20th March to Wednesday 22nd March, the Joules Sale will opens on Thursday 23rd to Saturday 25th March. The Boden Sale will be held on Wednesday 20th September and Thursday 21st September.

Heather Parry, managing director of Pavilions of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Event Centre, said: 

“Event organisers tell us they are impressed by the venues, our commitment to sustainability and the passion and dedication of our wonderful team. We are proud of our track record and continue to strive for excellence in all we do. 

“We are excited that 2023 will be our most successful year ever in both our venues.”

Raworths announces food bank as charity partner

Simon Morris, managing partner of Raworths and Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank. Credit: Raworths

A Harrogate law firm has chosen Harrogate District Foodbank has its charity partner for 2023.

Raworths staff will fundraise for the foodbank after voting for it to become the firm’s chosen charity.

Harrogate District Foodbank opened in 2013 and is funded by local churches, community groups and individuals, operating under the umbrella of national organisation, the Trussell Trust.

Simon Morris, managing partner at Raworths, said 

“People may not expect Harrogate to need a foodbank as it has a reputation as an affluent area, but the reality is, there are also areas which need extra support. 

“In fact, everyone is feeling the pinch and looking to rein in their spending which also impacts charities. We believe this charity’s services are invaluable, so we really want to support and help where we can.”

Dawn Cussons, manager of Harrogate District Foodbank, said 

“We’re delighted that Raworths chose us as their charity partner this year.

“We depend heavily on the generosity of our local community for donations, funds and, of course, our incredible volunteers whom we rely upon for everything from our warehouse and deliveries to signposting volunteers and welcomers.”

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