A Harrogate hotel has said it has been dealt a devastating blow by being forced to close, just days after investing in a new Winter Wonderland Teepee.

The Majestic Hotel on Ripon Road hoped to offer a family-friendly dining experience with Christmas market-style food.

It had taken more that 400 bookings in the last week alone but will now need to close its doors for at least a month.

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Andy Barnsdale, DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa general manager, said:

“Going into a second lockdown is a devastating blow for the hospitality industry, particularly as we are entering our busiest period.

“In the three days that it was open it was a great success. The majority of those visited were Harrogate residents. It offered a bit of winter cheer in these difficult times and the atmosphere was great.”

The hotel had brought back all its staff from furlough in August and has said it will now put the majority back on the furlough scheme.

It will now look at options such as providing rooms for key workers and those who need to work away from home.

A new Winter Wonderland Teepee has opened in the grounds of a Harrogate hotel, enabling people to socialise more safely in winter.

The Majestic Hotel on Ripon Road said it will offer a family-friendly dining experience, with traditional Christmas market-style food and drinks including bratwurst, roast chestnuts, hot chocolate, mulled wine and winter cocktails.

It is a step up from the hotel’s Majestic Pavilion al fresco dining area, and will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until mid-December, when it will change to Fridays and Saturdays only. The hotel has already taken more than 400 bookings for the teepee in the last week alone.

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Andy Barnsdale, general manager of the DoubleTree Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, said:

“Since the summer we have had the Majestic Pavilion on our terrace, which has proved incredibly popular for those looking for relaxing alfresco food and drinks.

“Now the clocks have gone back and winter is officially here, we have added our Majestic Winter Wonderland Teepee into the alfresco dining mix.

“It is family, child and dog friendly, and all covid-19 safety precautions will be strictly observed and adhered to. In addition to festive food and drink there will be live music on each of the three evenings, provided by local artists performing acoustic sets.

“What we are offering is an escape from the constraints that covid-19 has brought to the nation. Our Winter Wonderland is ideal for friends to catch up in a safe environment and for families wanting an afternoon or evening out together.”