Le Bistrot Pierre in Harrogate looks set to be among the first restaurant casualties of the Covid-19 crisis.
The Cheltenham Parade restaurant’s owners filed for administration on Tuesday after struggling to find funding to see them through lockdown.
The business was immediately sold to Bistrot Pierre 1994 Ltd in a pre-pack deal, but the new owners have chosen not to reopen six of the 25 restaurants around the UK, including Harrogate. Administrators have confirmed 123 redundancies, but have not said how many of these will be in Harrogate.
Joint administrator Will Wright said:
“COVID-19 and the prolonged lockdown period has presented large swathes of the casual dining sector with significant funding challenges, and Bistrot Pierre has been far from immune.
“Despite exploring all alternative options, including relief schemes like the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan, the directors took the difficult decision to file for the appointment of administrators. We are pleased to have been able to conclude a transaction which preserves the majority of the business and associated jobs, ensuring the chain’s 25-year presence on local high streets can continue.”
Bistrot Pierre is the first restaurant in the Harrogate district to confirm its closure following the coronavirus lockdown. The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill has announced it will not reopen its restaurant, but instead become a country house for private hire.
The Country Living St George Hotel was closed in May after its owners, Shearings, went into administration. Hospitality businesses have told The Stray Ferret their futures could hang in the balance if Harrogate Convention Centre is not reopened this year, bringing much-needed trade for hotels, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants and bars.
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No plans to reopen top Nidderdale restaurant with Michelin star
The Yorke Arms has no plans to reopen its Michelin Star restaurant in Nidderdale. The owners will open the country house for private hire instead.
Managers closed the restaurant down at the start of lockdown. Now they do not believe that it is financially viable to reopen with the current social distancing guidelines.
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Instead, they are repitching the Yorke Arms as “the ultimate staycation” to reconnect and immerse. It will be an informal space for private events and overnight stays.
The dining room will still be open for guests to eat together but it could also work as a boardroom meeting or wedding ceremony space.
The Yorke Arms Restaurant.
They have also adapted the living space areas to become lounges and guests can bring their own alcohol for the bar.
Owner Jonathan Turner said:
“The Yorke Arms has been a hostelry for over 100 years and the team are excited to move forward and ensure that legacy evolves and stays alive. Yes these are challenging times for all however we are determined not to let recent events prevent our guests from enjoying the enviable location and stunning interiors. This is Yorkshire. We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and move on.”
With 17 individually styled Yorkshire-proud bedrooms with en-suites, The Yorke Arms can accommodate 33 guests overnight and many more during the day or evening.