A new cafe is opening in Harrogate today to serve up healthy foods and drinks despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Hustle and Co is based on Station Parade and takes over the unit once occupied by Filmore and Union until last year.

Nici Routledge and Jo Bradshaw are behind the new cafe, which has created 15 new jobs for the area.

Jo told the Stray Ferret ahead of the opening:

“I think people will see it is quite different and in a very nice way and I do believe we’re offering things you can’t get anywhere else locally.

“We will be serving up smoothie bowls which will be really pretty and also really good for you. That’s the important thing for us, that it’s full of goodness.”

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The cafe will also serve up matcha waffles, gulten-free banana bread, fresh juices, coffee and more from 8am until early evening.

Nici also told the Stray Ferret that the latest lockdown was not going to stop the cafe:

“We both think that there are opportunities through challenging situations. If nothing else through this year there’s been a shift of mindset.

“I think more people want to support local. I think people are really buying into that now so that’s positive.”

Fruit and vegetables fresh from the ground are front and centre at Joy, a new organic food shop that opened on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate today.

Nicola Mawdsley, who is behind the venture, wants to expand the range to compete with smaller supermarkets.

Nicola got the keys to the building five weeks ago and has managed to pull her vision together despite the coronavirus lockdown:

“It has had its challenges. The local traders and suppliers have really stepped up to help make this what it is.

“I am excited to open the doors. I cannot wait to start welcoming people through the doors.”

The idea behind Joy is to be a one-stop shop. The stock will change with the seasons but it will always be as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Currently it has plenty of fruits and vegetables, pastas, pickles, chocolates, herbs, teas and coffees. All sourced as locally as possible.

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Now the doors are open Nicola will expand the range, with organic wines and gluten-free beers high on her agenda.

It is not just about the produce: the shop also has baskets to rent and plenty of eco-friendly and reusable bags.

Would you like to spread the word about your shop opening? No matter how small the shop get in touch with the Stray Ferret.

This weekend Knaresborough high street will welcome a new addition called The Clothing Store of Knaresborough.

Owner Rebecca Lombardi is passionate about catering for all sizes and will stock women’s clothes sizes eight to 32 once it opens on Saturday.

The store has been a dream of Rebecca’s since she started working in retail at 16.

The shop is flooded with light and the clothes racks are spread out to allow for an easy shopping experience.

She opened her own online business in 2017 and her extensive retail experience has given her an eye for style. As she scans the racks of clothing, her passion is obvious.

The array of colours and fabrics is set against the shop’s white walls. The space is clean and bright with industrial touches, such as steel racks for the clothes to hang on.

Rebecca said:

“I loved the feel of the front of the building and I thought it would make a lovely shop.

“I wanted the industrial look and white walls. I wanted the feel of a high-end boutique but without the price tag.”

Bright and colourful clothes hang in abundance around the shop.

Her online site, Deals Direct, dealt with customers from all over the country but Rebecca wanted to offer the full shopping experience too.

She said:

“I think I can be a specialist to the plus-size range and I have a lot of regular customers that I think will travel to have the shopping experience.

“The average UK size is 16 to 18 yet you go into most shops and all those sizes have sold out. It’s really important to look at the average size and shape of your customers and cater for those customers that may be excluded by other retailers.”

Knaresborough’s high street has evolved in recent months with many other shops opening. Rebecca fell for the town’s charm, and said she was welcomed with excitement and positivity from residents and other businesses.

Some of Rebecca’s team. Maisie Withnell, Aimee Blakeborough and Katie Shaw.

Customer service is a priority for Rebecca, who hopes to offer shoppers a one-to-one service.

“I want my customers to get a feel-good shopping experience and also find something they want to purchase.”

Currently the shop only stocks women’s clothes but she hopes to bring in men’s items before Christmas.

The entrance area to the shop.

It has taken Rebecca years to build up her customer base and it is only now she has the confidence to open a shop. She is also offering some space to other small businesses to stock their products.

“I want to give small businesses the chance to get their foot in the door. I know I would have really appreciated it at the beginning.”