An independent bottle shop and taproom is set to open in the heart of Ripon.
The Portly Pig will operate in a building on Kirkgate that has seen a variety of uses over two centuries.
Number 5 Kirkgate will be known to many as the former Oasis Florists and those with longer memories will recall it being the offices of the Ripon Gazette newspaper.
A Civic Society plaque shows that before then it was a Town (Council) House from 1835 to 1851and then a borough police station with four cells between 1875 and 1887.
The Ripon Civic Society plaque
Now, Adam Coulson is transforming the premises into The Portly Pig Bottleshop and Taproom. He told the Stray Ferret:
“We’re really looking forward to opening at this great location in a building with such a fascinating history.
“We are on target to open in early September and are delighted with the positive responses on social media that we have received since putting an ‘opening soon’ sign in our windows.”
Mr Coulson added:
“Our focus will be on serving real ales, craft beers and ciders, both on tap and in bottles, along with spirits and wines.
“The majority of the drinks will come from local independent breweries, distilleries and wine suppliers.”
Finishing touches being made to the premises will include permanent signage – but where did the name come from?
Mr Coulson explained:
“I was on holiday in Portugal with my wife Katrina and we had just had a delicious meal, when the idea of The Portly Pig came to us. It’s as a name that we hope will catch the eye.”
Read more:
Historic Harrogate building set to put on a Halloween show
A spectacularly spooky light show will be held at a historic building in Harrogate this weekend.
The Chapel on Grove Road will celebrate the occasion with its first ever display, complete with projected images, creepy smoke and themed music.
Owner Mark Hinchliffe said he hoped the free display would be enjoyed by people of all ages:
“It’s a bit mad – when you get one of those ideas and think, ‘what a great Halloween thing to do opposite the cemetery and on the road so you can see it easily’.
“It’s local, in town, and people can come and see it.”
Although the concept came from Mr Hinchliffe and his partner Heidi, they say they have had a huge amount of support from other local businesses.
FTAV has put together the programme of projection, lighting and effects, while Studio One and Kall Kwik helped with producing publicity material to promote the event.
In full costume, the couple will be greeting visitors with sweets donated by Asda, Waitrose and The Serious Sweet Company.
Read more:
- Spooky castles, pumpkins and haunted houses: Halloween fun in the district
- Ripon pumped up on pumpkins for Halloween half-term
The show will run on Sunday, October 30 as well as Halloween itself, Monday, October 31, from 6pm to 8pm each day.
It may only be two days long, but Mr Hinchliffe has already set his sights on something more extensive for the next significant event in the calendar. He said:
“If I do things, I like to make it really visual. I’m a creative and I’m a bit bonkers.
“It all started with Halloween and now I’ve had another idea of doing a Santa’s grotto. I’ve found an antique sleigh to die for – it’s 2.5m from North America, about 1900, with a double button cushioned seat. It’s the real thing.”
Details of the grotto will be confirmed nearer the time, but Mr Hinchliffe said he hoped to tie it in to Harrogate’s other Christmas celebrations for the benefit of the whole community.