No plans to reopen Harrogate restaurant months after ‘temporary closure’

There appear to be no plans to reopen Las Iguanas in Harrogate, six months after the restaurant said it would close temporarily.

Las Iguanas, on John Street, remains closed with chairs stacked on tables. A notice in the window from staff still reads “we can’t wait to see you very soon”.

Big Table Group acquired Casual Dining Group in August and took on 150 of its restaurants trading as Las Iguanas, Bella Italia and Cafe Rouge.

But Las Iguanas in Harrogate was not included in the deal, which has left its future uncertain.

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The Stray Ferret asked Big Table Group whether the restaurant will reopen but a spokesperson said it would not comment on individual sites.

James Spragg, chief executive of The Big Table, said of the takeover in August:

“We inevitably emerge from this process as a leaner business, and one that is now equipped to navigate the challenges the industry faces, safeguarding thousands of jobs.”

Stray Foodie: Vista View Bistro at How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale

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.

 

Vista View Bistro, How Stean Gorge, Nidderdale 

It was a dreak night and I was in one of the most beautiful parts of deepest Nidderdale; How Stean Gorge is a place of such outstanding natural beauty, especially on clear sunny days of which we rarely have. This was not the case on this occasion, as we bumped along a windy road to our destination. Ahead of us rose an amazing, stilted building that towered over dramatic turbulent water with lustrous jungle land and deep vegetation.

A vision of creative owners, Mr & Mrs Stanley Beer who have developed their Gorge with great dedication over many years to its current acclaim. What a beautiful place to live and continue to develop a business. Full of exciting opportunity in this new world of hospitality that we find ourselves in. Exciting outdoor pursuits with fresh, tasty, good food seems to be the order of the day.

The glass viewing area at How Stean Gorge.

My old man and I were there for an early dinner and we felt lucky, as How Stean – as it is known locally – is not often open in the evenings. Like a lot of people, it was the first time out for us for some time. As we entered, the feeling of cleanliness was exemplary and made us feel very safe.

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.

My old man’s face was a picture of sheer contentment as he devoured a very beautiful Prawn Cocktail. I examined a starter of vegetables and thought, here we have some style. Jowayne, a young and ambitious Chef has given his food a lot of love shown by a neat, clean hand and a good balance of flavour. Although I would have been happy to see or feel more colour and excitement with the menu. Having said that, to find such honest food in the depths of this fine country is a plus. Maybe I was being over-influenced and relaxed by the Spa-themed music during dinner which was ethereal and stark.

Two Vista View Bistro chefs pictured, including its head chef, Jowayne Marshall (left).

The time to visit is obviously during the day with all the lovely Autumnal hues. You will sit and gasp at the extraordinary views over a glass or savour the very good and satisfying local beef or feel spoilt by what’s on offer on the menu; something for all tastes, I am told. Let’s hope Chef puts his Fruit Mousse Spoon on the dessert menu – something I have come across before – and of course it was well worth the drive up the Dale.

Whenever you decide to visit, which is a must during these times, you will be rewarded by friendly Yorkshire hospitality that stimulates you and gives you the good feeling of being British. My little journey for dinner x2, three courses and a glass of wine each cost £85.20 excluding service. Don’t be afraid, there are more economic ways of enjoying this treasure.

To find out more about Vista View Bistro click here.

To read more about Frances’ fantastic career click here.

The Yorke Arms to host intimate weddings

The Yorke Arms will host intimate weddings after it was given a licence to hold civil ceremonies on site.

It had previously been a restaurant which used to hold a Michelin star, but the managers no longer believe that side of the business is viable.

They changed the venue into a country house for hire a couple of months ago and pitched it as “the ultimate staycation”.

Now, the new licence means The Yorke Arms can host weddings. The bridal party and guests will have sole use of the 17 bedrooms and suites as well as the communal areas.

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Groups of up to 30 can enjoy the wedding breakfast together. The owners believe it is the perfect size for the current coronavirus regulations.

The team at The Yorke Arms said the venue will be flexible to meet couples’ needs and hopes, with no restrictions on timings, food or drink. As well as its own wedding licence, The Yorke Arms is within walking distance of Ramsgill village church, allowing couples and their guests to have a church ceremony before returning on foot for the reception.

Laura Shinkfield, hospitality sales manager, said:

“Receiving the wedding licence is the final piece of the jigsaw in the reinvention of The Yorke Arms. We are now taking enquiries and looking forward to welcoming our first weddings.”

Harrogate district gets £2m discount with Eat Out to Help Out

Diners in the Harrogate district who took part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme got a discount of more than £1.9 million in August.

New figures out today from HM Treasury also revealed that people in the Harrogate and Knaresborough and Skipton and Ripon constituencies ate 314,000 meals in the scheme.

The scheme was designed to help the struggling hospitality sector get back on its feet. The Stray Ferret reported that many cafes and restaurants saw a big spike in interest last month.

Some restaurants were fully booked and were forced to turn some diners away who were trying to take advantage of the Eat Out to Help Out discount.

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In Harrogate and Knaresborough 153 restaurants signed up compared with 205 restaurants in Skipton and Ripon.

Some restaurants across the Harrogate district have seen such a boost that they have extended the discount without any government backing to fund it.

Lydia Hewitt-Craft, supervisor at So! Bar and eats Harrogate, said:

“It’s been massively helpful and it’s a relief because it was hard at the start when everyone was worried about coming out but this has been great for us.”

Nertil Xhallo, manager at Sarando on Station Bridge, said:

“It has been really busy, we’ve had a lot of bookings. Most people have returned which is good. The offer has been helpful for the business.”

Sara Ferguson, acting chair of Harrogate BID and owner of two Harrogate restaurants, said:

“I think it’s been a massive help, everyone I have spoken to says it’s been worth doing. I think with the uncertainty going forward its given all those places a boost.”

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.”

More than 100 Eat Out to Help Out businesses in Harrogate district

From next week people will be able to ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ by taking advantage of a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks in the Harrogate district.

More than 100 restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs in the district have signed up to the new government scheme to boost hospitality.

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It is valid all day Monday to Wednesday from August 3 to 31, as long the town or city is not in lockdown.

Customers can get a maximum of £10 off food and drink when they eat or drink in. There’s no minimum spend and it can be used in conjunction with other offers.

The government has released a list of establishments registered for the scheme, which we have compiled by area. If your business is not on the list then get in touch.

Harrogate – 66

Knaresborough – 14

Ripon – 9

Boroughbridge – 6

Nidderdale – 6

Masham – 4

WATCH: Will you be eating out to help out in Harrogate?

Diners will be able to get 50% off their bill from Mondays to Wednesdays at certain restaurants during August, but how do people in Harrogate feel about this?

This comes as the government announced its new scheme “Eat Out To Help Out” earlier today. The scheme aims to encourage more people to eat out at restaurants as lockdown measurers ease.

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The Stray Ferret asked the general public in Harrogate whether they will be running out to get their discounted meal.

There was a mix of emotion with some people more inclined to go out and others not.

District’s restaurants cautiously welcome Chancellor’s help

Restaurants in the district had a mixed response to the Chancellor’s announcements today to help the hospitality sector. One restaurant owner said she was “very pleased” but others were cautious.

Rishi Sunak’s announcements included a 6 month reduction in VAT to 5%. The ‘eat out to help out’ scheme was also introduced to give diners a 50% discount on Monday and Wednesday in participating restaurants and cafes.

Restaurants were grateful for the additional help but wanted to see how the measures would be introduced. These announcements are hoped to encourage people to return to eating out.

Sarah Hinchliff, owner of Drum and Monkey restaurant in Harrogate said:

“I am very pleased with what has been announced. It’s increased my confidence. We are still going to be here but it’s been difficult, anything that helps to bring people back in is great. It’s been a difficult week but it’s bolstered how I am feeling it just going to take time for people to return. It will help us immensely.”

Nicole Mangan, general manager at Farmhouse restaurant Harrogate:

“The devil is in the detail, the reduction in VAT is fantastic. We expected that as a way to help businesses stay open. The discount is great but we’re closed Monday and Tuesday normally so it may be something we look at to see if we open. It could really help us on quieter days, £20 is essentially a main and dessert which could encourage people to come to us if they know they can get all of that for £10. We need to see more details before we get our hopes up I think.”

Plates of various restaurant food

The Chancellor’s announcements are in an effort to encourage people to return to eating out.

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Margaret Ninness, owner of The Willow Restaurant in Pateley Bridge:

“I’ve recently changed my business to make it smaller so I no longer pay VAT, but for those still registered this would be fantastic. The ‘eat in’ scheme would be fine for me but if you’re waiting to get the money back with a tight budget it could be difficult. But I do think they’re doing their best and they are helping everyone.”

Harrogate was busy over the weekend as restaurants and pubs reopened for the first time in three months. Sandra Doherty, Chief Executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The Chancellor’s statement will be welcomed by many businesses in Harrogate, in particular those in the hospitality sector. Whilst the cut in VAT for food, accommodation and attractions, coupled with the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme are only temporary, I’m sure they will make it more attractive for businesses in the hospitality sector to reopen their doors.”

Hospitality reopening crucial for Harrogate after tough lockdown

The reopening of bars, restaurants and hotels across the Harrogate District is a vital moment as the hospitality sector looks to recover from the battering of three months worth of lockdown.

Since March, the industry, worth around £200 million a year for Harrogate alone, has borne the brunt of the economic impact of lockdown with furloughed staff, loss of customers and no income.

It’s been three months since the last pint was pulled and hotel doors were closed on an industry that relies on the public to venture out and part with their hard earned cash to survive.

Now, as revellers await that long awaited beer with friends or an evening meal, hospitality owners say they need to make the best of the lockdown relaxations.

Peter Banks

Peter Banks, managing director of Rudding Hotel and Spa in Harrogate.

Peter Banks, managing director of Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, said the sector was entering “the great unknown” this weekend but it was vital for it to reopen.

He said:

“We are delighted that we are allowed to reopen.

“But we do not know what level of demand we are going to see or how customers are going to behave.

“The government has given us guidance that is open to our interpretation and everybody is doing what they think is best.

“It is like going into the great unknown.”

Meanwhile, the sector, which employs around 9,500 people across the district, has reopened at a key time.

Space has already been created by North Yorkshire County Council for some bars and restaurants, with temporary pedestrianisation expected on Parliament Street and Kings Road.

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Measures to ensure social distancing are also in place with pubs taking bookings for tables ahead of reopening and people registering their details with restaurants before they enter in order to help with track and trace.

But, while some are happy to see the sector reopen, owners are under no illusion that the spring months will be key for businesses to survive.

Simon Cotton, managing director of the Fat Badger pub and White Hart Hotel, told The Stray Ferret recently that for some firms the next three months is crucial to survive the winter period when custom often drops off.

Mr Banks added that some businesses were already looking six months ahead and planning into next year for bookings.

“The next three months will be crucial because people have built up a war chest of income.

“My concern is that from September or October that is going to reduce and the amount of money that will be in circulation will drop and it will be a tough winter.”

With that in mind, as Harrogate’s hospitality sector opens its doors once again, it will be on us to visit our favourite bars, restaurants, hotels and cafes to ensure they survive.

Ripon restaurant bookings picking up

Restaurants in Ripon are reporting lots of bookings for July 4 after being given the go-ahead by government to reopen, but the dining experience will be bittersweet due to social distancing restrictions.

Rick Jones, owner of Italian restaurant Valentinos, told the Stray Ferret they are “full steam ahead” and expecting a full house on July 4, albeit with a reduced seating capacity of around 30%.

It will be a different type of table service on July 4 and interaction between staff and customer will be minimised, which Mr Jones hopes won’t put too many customers off.

He said:

“We haven’t seen these customers for so long and you just want to hug them and embrace them. But we will almost have a sterile environment and you can’t interact as much as before.

“We know about all our customer’s lives and stories, but we literally have to serve them and walk away to eliminate contamination time.”

“It’s not going to be the grand reopening we expected with parties and celebrations but something is better than nothing. Even just a smile on someone’s face will be worth it.”

Richard Hughes and his partner Magdalena Torres are the owners of Spanish Tapas bar and restaurant Manchega. As a self-declared “party person” Mr Hughes told the Stray Ferret he’s missed the social aspect of running a busy restaurant.

Magdelena Torres, Jose Simo, Isabel Rodrigues – Manchega.

He said:

“I can’t wait. I’m a party sort of person anyway and a Tapas bar is all about the good times. The atmosphere is a big part of it so I can’t wait to get the buzz going again. That’s what it’s all about.”

But Manchega won’t be opening until July 14 as the owners are allowing their Spanish head chef return to his home country to visit family. Mr Hughes also wants to see how busy other restaurants are in Ripon from July 4.

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Mario Fantino has been serving up traditional Italian food at Prima Pizzeria for over 30 years. He told the Stray Ferret it was “heartbreaking” to see it stand empty for many months.

He said they are almost fully booked for next weekend and the early signs are positive for the rest of the summer.

He also believes people in Ripon “can’t wait” to go out for a slice of Pepperoni or Margherita in his restaurant.

He said:

“People have been paid their furlough money but have not had the time to spend it, so there’s a bit of money around. We’ve got lots of bookings and I imagine everyone else has.”

“It will be great to see people sitting down again in the restaurant. It will be wonderful.”