The new Starbucks site in Harrogate looks ready to open its doors and begin brewing, but its planned opening date is still unknown.
The coffee shop is set to open in the former Leon site on Wetherby Road. The unit was previously a Mediterranean fast-food restaurant and has been transformed into a drive-through coffee shop.
The Stray Ferret first reported that the site would become a Starbucks last August, when North Yorkshire Council granted planning permission to change the branding on the unit.
Permission was given for a total of 20 signs to be installed. Just over half of which would be illuminated, including totem signs, menus and directional signs around the drive-through.
Starbucks advertised for new staff in December and in January the new signage was installed. The only Starbucks in Harrogate is currently on Cambridge Street in the town centre.
Today, the company told the Stray Ferret:
“We look forward to bringing the Starbucks experience to customers in Harrogate in the near future and will be in touch once we have more specific plans to share.”
The move comes as Leon, which opened at the site last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.
It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.
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No.8: High street comings and goings in the Harrogate district
In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2023, we look at businesses and brands that came and went on our local high streets.
The Harrogate district has seen a range of national and independent retailers come and go on the high street this year.
A cinema in Ripon folded, Harrogate got its first world supermarket, and A-ha’s sound technician even opened a local bar.
And let’s not forget the Rooftop which opened to the public for a grand total of 48 hours…
Today, we’re looking back some standout moments on the district’s high streets.
Came – The Inn Collection Group opened three sites in the Harrogate district
Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough were all in the spotlight following the opening of a new Inn Collection hotel in each area.
The Inn Collection Group, which bought the former Dower House in Knaresborough along with the George Hotel in Harrogate and the Ripon Spa Hotel, markets its venues as ‘inns with rooms’.
All three sites got fresh new looks following multi-million pound makeovers.
The new Ripon Inn, which opened in October, has 58 bedrooms and two bars. The group’s managing director told the Stray Ferret the bill for the site was “close to eight figures”.
The Knaresborough Inn opened its doors in August. It no longer has a spa and gym but boasts 56 rooms compared to a previous 38.
Finally, The Harrogate Inn closed in January for refurbishments. It has a new entrance, a new bar and restaurant, 96 rooms and two new outdoor patio features.
The Knaresborough Inn.
Came – Jollyes pet store opens in Harrogate
A national pet chain, Jollyes, opened on Hookstone Park in September.
The store sells a wide range of pet foods, toys and bedding. It also offers a pet grooming service.
The Harrogate store is one of 95 sites in the UK and the company plans to open another 10 by the middle of 2024.
Went – national retailer Paperchase folds
Paperchase, which had a store on James Street in Harrogate, closed after the company went into administration in February.
As part of the closing down sale, the company sold off cards, gifts and stationery for up to 70% off – with cards going for as little as 10p.
Tesco bought the rights to the brand, entitling it to sell Paperchase items in its supermarkets, but did not buy the stores.
The move affected 106 Paperchase shops and more than 800 staff nationally.
Came – soft furnishing brand Sophie Allport came to James Street
Sophie Allport, an interior furnishing brand based in Lincolnshire, took over the former Phase Eight store in Harrogate.
The Harrogate branch, which opened in November, is the first outside its home county, with other stores in Stamford and Bourne.
It sells a range of homeware, including bedding and crockery, as well as home furnishings, accessories and gifts.
Founder Sophie Allport.
Went – The Rooftop’s two-day tenure in Harrogate
Our next restaurant possibly holds the title for being the most rapid open and closure in recent Harrogate history.
Mexican restaurant, The Rooftop, confirmed it had closed after just two days of trading in August.
Owner Mason Elyas told the Stray Ferret he had been involved in a dispute with business partners and planned to take legal action at the time. However, another restaurant has not yet opened.
Mr Elyas said he had lost £20,000 on the venture but, despite this, hoped to open another restaurant in Harrogate once this issue was resolved.
The restaurant, which was on Cheltenham Crescent, was the third restaurant to open and close in just over a year, following the closure of both Samson’s and HG1.
Came – Harrogate’s first world food supermarket opens
All Nations Supermarket, on Skipton Road, opened in September.
It stocks a wide variety of Asian, African, Middle Eastern and European foods and ingredients – the first of its kind in the town.
The store also has a butchers counter selling fresh meat and stocks halal foods too.
The opening created a real buzz on the Stray Ferret’s social media, with more than 1,000 people reacting to a post about the new venture.
All Nations Supermarket also sells Tik Tok-viral Buldak products, as well as a range of Asian spices, Middle Eastern desserts and even fresh fruit and vegetables.
Went – Curzon closed Ripon cinema
Ripon’s only cinema, Curzon, closed its doors in July this year.
The company said the venue faced “specific challenges” and site was “not suited to the long-term direction we have taken”.
Sterne Properties Ltd, which owns the North Street premises, announced in June it hoped to retain one of the cinema screens to become a volunteer-led community project.
It hopes to have the building back open to the public next year, however, no further developments have been announced yet.
Curzon.
Came – Amy Winehouse’s sound engineer opens record shop and bar in Harrogate
Dave Swallows, who has worked with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Erasure, James and A-ha, opened a vinyl coffee house and bar in May.
AAA (pronounced triple-A) on Cold Bath Road sells clothing and vinyl records, as well as serves coffee, food and alcohol.
Mr Swallows, who is originally from Southend-on-Sea but has lived in Harrogate for 16 years, told the Stray Ferret:
“Last July, I was touring with A-ha, playing Rio de Janeiro and the Hollywood Bowl, and then just two days later I was back here, being handed the keys to this place.”
Maybe one day A-ha will decide to Take On the town for one night only…
Went – Joules closed Harrogate store in second blow to James Street
Paperchase was not the only major retailer to closed its doors in Harrogate this year – as Joules saw the same fate.
The closure, which happened in May, came after the company fell into administration in 2022.
However, Next rescued it by paying £34 million for the business, plus £7 million for the head office.
The closing notice did not state a reason for the decision, but added the nearest Joules store is now Ilkley.
Mint Velvet later took on the former Joules site.
Came – Knaresborough banking hub opened to town
Knaresborough’s first banking hub, Cash Access UK, opened its doors in November.
It is a not-for-profit company set up by 10 major high-street banking providers to protect the public’s access to cash.
The hub, on Bowling Green Yard, offers customers of all major banks and building societies the chance to carry out regular cash transactions, from Monday to Friday.
It also provides a community banker service whereby customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues.
Community bankers from Natwest, Halifax, Santander, HSBC and Barclays work on rotation at the hub.
Knaresborough Town crier at the opening of the new banking hub.
Went – Ripon said goodbye to M&Co after 44 years of trading
Retailer M&Co went into administration for the second time last December and subsequently closed its doors in Ripon in April.
The website, brand and intellectual property were bought by Yours Clothing — but the shops were not.
This meant all 170 stores, including Ripon which had been open since 1979, had to close.
Around 1,900 employees were affected nationally.
Came – new bar and restaurant 1858 opened in Knaresborough
1858, Knaresborough’s newest bar and restaurant, opened in the former NatWest site in August.
The venue offers lunch and evening meals, Sunday roasts and drinks.
Kim Lancaster, who runs the venue, said the experience is more like “elegant fine-dining” than a “Wetherspoons quick in-and-out” type experience.
Its name derives from the year in which the building was constructed.
Went – Leon closed in Harrogate after nine month tenure
Fast food chain Leon closed its doors in Harrogate in April.
The drive-through’s closure came just nine months after it opened on Wetherby Road.
Starbucks looks set to open in the former Leon site.
It began advertising for staff in earlier this month after North Yorkshire Council approved plans to change the signage outside.
Came – Mandarin Stone opened Harrogate store
National retailer Mandarin Stone opened its doors in Harrogate in November.
The company, which sells a wide range natural stone, porcelain and decorative tiles, took over the former Lynx Menswear unit on West Park.
The Harrogate showroom is the 15th of its kind and the most northerly Mandarin Stone site.
Director Carl Ryan said the company’s “knowledge, passion and enthusiasm” for the industry set it apart in the market.
The Mandarin Stone team.
Went – Harrogate Tea Rooms closed after 13 years
The Harrogate Tea Rooms, in Westminster Arcade, closed with immediate effect in October.
Owners Carrie and Tony Wilkinson announced the news on social media and said the day-to-day running costs were not translating into profit.
They added they would, however, continue making scones for delivery.
Their post said:
“We are as sad and shocked as some of you will be.
“Our tenancy with the new landlord was up for renewal, but with increased rent, energy and food costs, lower than ever footfall, our out-of-the-way location and possibly the ever increasing amount of new coffee shops near us, it has forced our decision to unfortunately not be able to move forward with the business.
The Harrogate Tea Rooms was featured in The Harrogate Crime Series by Malcolm Hollingdrake.
Mr and Ms Wilkinson said DCI Cyril Bennett, one of the main characters, will live “in our hearts and memories”, and “will forever be drinking tea from a China cup”.
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- ‘Without my carer I’d be a mess’ – Stray Ferret Christmas Appeal 2023
Developers silent over planned Harrogate Starbucks
Developers behind a former Leon restaurant in Harrogate which was due to become a Starbucks have remained silent on the scheme.
North Yorkshire Council approved plans to change the signage around the Wetherby Road site to Starbucks branding in August but the building remains closed.
Permission was given for a total of 20 signs, just over half of which would be illuminated, including totem signs, menus and directional signs around the drive-through.
Leon, which opened last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.
It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.
The Stray Ferret asked EG Group for an update on the project and whether it had confirmed an opening date, but received no response by the time of publication.
We also asked Starbucks whether it had a potential launch date for the new store.
In response, a spokesperson for the company said:
“I’m afraid we don’t comment on pieces of planning application.”
Currently, the building has been empty for seven months and has been stripped of its Leon branding and signage.
The coffee brand has only one existing presence in the Harrogate district, on Cambridge Street in the town centre.
Read more:
- No conditions for Wetherby Road drive-thru to be a Starbucks, says council
- Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future
- Former Harrogate Leon site to become Starbucks
Former Harrogate Leon site to become Starbucks
The former Leon drive-through restaurant in Harrogate is set to become a Starbucks.
North Yorkshire Council has approved plans to change the signage around the Wetherby Road site to Starbucks branding.
Permission has been given for a total of 20 signs, just over half of which would be illuminated, including ‘totem’ signs, menus and directional signs around the drive-through.
Leon, which opened last June, closed its doors on April 2 with the loss of around 20 jobs.
It was operated by Blackburn-based EG Group, which also runs Starbucks franchises as well as brands including KFC and Greggs.
Currently, the building has been empty for four months and has been stripped of its Leon branding and signage. No date has been given for it reopening as a Starbucks.
The coffee brand has only one existing presence in the Harrogate district, on Cambridge Street in the town centre.
Read more:
- No conditions for Wetherby Road drive-thru to be a Starbucks, says council
- Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future
Following the closure of the fast-food restaurant, speculation mounted over whether a Starbucks would open at the site.
The company initially considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.
Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council in 2019 proposed a drive-thru “to be operated by Starbucks Coffee Company” on the site.
However, following planning approval on appeal, EG Group announced a Leon would open instead.
Residents near to the drive-thru raised concern that the scheme was not as advertised in the initial plan.
The Stray Ferret asked the borough council in April 2022 how the company was able to build the scheme as a Leon drive-thru when the original approval for the site showed a Starbucks coffee shop.
At the time, a council spokesperson said:
“Permission was granted by the Planning Inspectorate for a ‘coffee shop to include a drive-thru’, not specifically for a Starbucks.
“The Inspectorate did not add any conditions to the permission they gave restricting the use of the premises solely to a coffee shop, so it can legally be used for any other use within the same use class, which includes a drive thru food and drink establishment.”
The former Leon restaurant
Leon in Harrogate is due to close at 8pm today.
It will mark the end of an ill-fated nine-month venture by the fast food chain, which employed about 20 people on Wetherby Road.
The final meals will be served at 8pm unless supplies run out sooner.
The site is operated by EG Group, which has a chain of forecourts across the country.
They include franchise partners such as Starbucks, Greggs and KFC.
EG Group considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before opting for Leon instead.
There is speculation it will now revert to its plans for a Starbucks, but the company has not replied to the Stray Ferret’s enquiries about its plans.
Read more:
Harrogate Leon site owners silent over future plans
The owners of Harrogate’s Leon site have remained tight lipped over its future amid speculation it could become a Starbucks.
The Stray Ferret revealed this month the Wetherby Road fast food venue would cease trading, with the loss of about 20 jobs, on April 2.
The site is operated by EG Group, which has a chain of forecourts across the country.
They include franchise partners such as Starbucks, Greggs and KFC.
The Stray Ferret approached EG Group to ask for an update on the site and if any replacement had been found for Leon, but we did not receive a response.
Read more:
- No conditions for Wetherby Road drive-thru to be a Starbucks, says council
- Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future
However, a source within Leon have told the Stray Ferret that a Starbucks drive-thru is the likely option for the site.
The company considered opening a Starbucks on Wetherby Road before Leon was announced instead.
Initial plans for Starbucks
Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council back in 2019 proposed a drive-thru “to be operated by Starbucks Coffee Company” on the site.
However, following planning approval on appeal, EG Group announced a Leon would open at the site.
Residents near to the drive-thru raised concern that the scheme was not as advertised in the initial plan.
The Stray Ferret asked the borough council in April 2022 how the company was able to build the scheme as a Leon drive-thru when the original approval for the site showed a Starbucks coffee shop.
At the time, a borough council spokesperson said:
Leon confirms Harrogate closure amid speculation over site’s future“Permission was granted by the Planning Inspectorate for a ‘coffee shop to include a drive-thru’, not specifically for a Starbucks.
“The Inspectorate did not add any conditions to the permission they gave restricting the use of the premises solely to a coffee shop, so it can legally be used for any other use within the same use class, which includes a drive thru food and drink establishment.
“So permission is not required for any change of use. However, the building being built differs from the one given planning permission. Therefore, a planning application has been submitted for these changes and is under consideration.”
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.
Read more:
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.
Read more:
- Harrogate’s Leon drive-thru to open on Friday
- Arson at Harrogate’s Kimberley Hotel: police appeal for witnesses
Roadworks to start on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road this week
Ten days of roadworks are due to commence on Harrogate’s Wetherby Road on Thursday.
Northern Powergrid will carry out work to connect new electric vehicle charging points at Leon restaurant to the electricity network.
It will mean closing the inside lane of the carriageway outside Leon on the approach to the Woodlands junction.
Roadworks took place in the same area from April to June last year in the run-up to Leon opening.
Project engineer Richard Appleyard said in a letter on behalf of Northern Powergrid to residents in the area:
“I regret it will be necessary to excavate a trench, install new cables and cable joints in the highway footpath, in front of the previously installed green substation kiosk at the front corner of the property.
“It is appreciated that there will be a certain amount of disruption during the implementation of this work, but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.”
The letter added it would be necessary to close a section of the inside lane “and set up a barrier system incorporating a temporary footpath within the carriageway”. It added:
“Every effort will be made to maintain access to adjacent properties at all times.”
Joe Shields, who lives in the area, questioned why the work wasn’t carried out when the road was previously dug up. He said:
“I can see the tailbacks and frustrated drivers already. Not to mention locals and pub customers.
“Last time there was work it was complete chaos and took weeks and weeks.”
Read more:
No.8: Businesses opened and closed in 2022
In this article, which is part of a series on the 12 stories in the Harrogate district that shaped 2022, we look at the business which have opened and closed this past year.
It has been a year of change on the business scene across the Harrogate district.
Some long-standing brands closed their doors for the final time, while many new businesses arrived, and others changed hands.
Among the most high-profile arrivals was Leon, which opened its first Harrogate district branch in June. After disputes over signage in the run-up to opening, the chain restaurant hit the headlines again when, the day before it opened, its offer of free food in exchange for feedback from customers added to the queues of traffic on Wetherby Road.
Other hospitality brands arriving in Harrogate for the first time included Cosy Club, Giggling Squid and Pret. Meanwhile, the independent scene was also enhanced with the likes of the Sunshine Bakery in Boroughbridge and Husk Beer Emporium’s move to a bar in Harrogate.
Manager Erin Seelig at Cortado on Leeds Road.
Leeds Road in Harrogate proved a top spot for coffee shops, with Cortado and Folk both arriving this year, while Kings Road remained a popular place for independents as Lilypad and Pink Door opened.
There were also numerous arrivals in retail, largely from national chains: Jules B and Oliver Bonas both opened in central Harrogate, while Hotel Chocolat expanded to a larger premises.
Lidl was the major new name when it came to supermarkets, with its new Harrogate store opening in October to add to its existing Knaresborough branch. Tesco also opened its Killinghall convenience store, while Sainsbury’s Local began trading on Cambridge Street in Harrogate.
Read more:
- Revival for James Street as major brands set to open doors
- Caffeine boost: The rise of the independent coffee shops in Harrogate
There were a few close calls too: vegan restaurant Vertigo announced last year it would open in the bottom of the Everyman cinema building, but after months without any progress, confirmed in March it had gone out of business.
Tomahawk Steakhouse, meanwhile, said it planned to open in the former Solita Food Hall on Station Parade, but in its last update this autumn said it was still awaiting access to the venue:
“At the moment Tomahawk are tied up with legalities that have unfortunately been completely out of our control.
“We were all prepared and ready to go, but with liquidators from the previous owners comes a lot of red tape. We have had to sit on the sidelines whilst it gets thrashed out between the relevant parties.
“It is a shame because we would love to get going with everything and get open, but it’s completely out of our hands.”
A number of businesses reopened under new ownership this year, including some with new names. Among them was one of Harrogate’s oldest brands, Fattorini, which changed hands at the beginning of the year.
Gino D’Acampo’s My Restaurant in Harrogate became Piccolino, another brand in the same group, while the Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant opened for the first time since the end of 2020, unveiling newly refurbished premises.
Elsewhere, Jespers Bar and Kitchen opened in the former Hustle and Co premises on Station Parade, and HG1 Grill and World Bar took over the former Bistrot Pierre site on Cheltenham Parade, which had been occupied by Samsons for just a few months at the beginning of the year.
Ruebery Flowers in Knaresborough became River and Rose under new owner Kirsty Wilson, while The Old Deanery in Ripon reopened following a refurbishment by Chris Layton and Rebecca Hill, who took over following its closure in late 2020.
The former Millstones restaurant on the A59 near Menwith Hill became the Outside Inn, while the Old Spring Well was relaunched as the Curious Cow.
Expansion
There were also successes for many established businesses across the district.
The Secret Bakery expanded from its Harrogate outlet to a second branch in Knaresborough, while bookshop Imagined Things moved to new premises on Montpellier Hill.
Prologue, Starling and Cold Bath Brewing Company in Harrogate all expanded their operations, as did Ripon’s Caffe Nero.
And it wasn’t just in retail and hospitality where new businesses arrived: Ebru Evrim opened its yoga studio on Harrogate’s James Street, while new gyms Coach and Lift added to the fitness scene in Harrogate.
This year has also seen some losses across the district, including long-standing businesses.
Catch – which had taken over and rebranded the former Graveley’s fish and chip restaurant on Cheltenam Parade – ceased trading in October.
Ripon’s Bambudda closed in July, following the closure of the Black a Moor Inn at Bridge Hewick in March.
Other hospitality businesses lost this year included Gron and Cafe M. Among the shops lost were the Refilling Station, Orvis and Sofa Workshop. Cocktail bar 63rd+1st was lost less than a year after opening on Harrogate’s Albert Street.
There was sadness among many young families as Brimham Rocks Activity Farm announced it would no longer be welcoming visitors to its barns and fields from September, though it continued to offer a mobile petting farm, reindeer hire and other activities elsewhere. Dozens of parents expressed their sadness on social media after the news was announced.
Finally, some prominent premises that used to be home to big brands still stood empty in 2022.
The former Debenhams building, which closed its doors for the last time in January 2021, had been earmarked for demolition, but plans to replace it with “high quality” apartments were withdrawn in May this year.
And the former Slug and Lettuce premises on Montpellier Hill has stood empty all year after closing in spring 2021. Plans were submitted in September this year to convert it into retail premises and apartments.
It is no doubt a challenging time in retail and hospitality, and 2023 will certainly bring more changes.
Having already reported on plans lodged to deliver new bars, restaurants and shops, the Stray Ferret will bring you all the news about new arrivals and departures throughout the year.