Several restaurants and bars will be offering cut-price deals next month as part of the Harrogate district’s first Restaurant Week.

The offers include three courses for £20 at Harrogate’s West Park Hotel and lunch and a drink for £10 at The Inn at Cheltenham Parade in Harrogate. Other venues taking part include Manahatta and Cosy Club in Harrogate and The Inn South Stainley, which is offering two cocktails for £10.

Restaurant Week, organised by tourism organisation Destination Harrogate, will take place from February 6 to 10.

Manahatta is among those taking part. Photo credit: Think Harrogate

Businesses that sign up will offer set-price menus to customers who quote the offer. It is hoped the initiative will enable them to attract new customers and get a publicity boost.

John McGivern, destination events manager for Destination Harrogate, which is part of Harrogate Borough Council, urged people to “book in and tuck in”, adding:

“Excellent food and drink is a firm offer within the Harrogate district’s visitor experience, and through focusing on our tourism strengths, we’re showcasing our best stories to attract more visitors and to set us apart from our competitors.

“The initiative also supports our commitment to sustainable tourism, encouraging visits during times of the year when, traditionally, visitor numbers have been lower. Spreading visitor footfall across the year lowers impact to the environment, and offers new opportunities to our local businesses, along with great deals for our visitors and residents alike.”

A list of restaurants taking part is available here.

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Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal. 

A Harrogate solicitors has sponsored three of its junior staff through professional courses and accreditations.

Kirbys Solicitors, which is based on Victoria Avenue, has fully funded the move which it says will help grow the trio’s legal knowledge and business skills.

Among the staff members is Catherine Danks, a probate executive in the private client department, who has just passed all her STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) exams with distinction.

Holly Freeman is on her way to becoming a chartered legal executive specialising in residential conveyancing. She is currently studying towards a qualification with CILEX, the UK’s largest professional body for paralegals.

Meanwhile, administration and IT assistant William Geddes is studying for a City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration.

David Dow, director of Kirbys Solicitors, said: 

“Kirbys has been in Harrogate for more than 250 years and, although our roots are firmly in the past, we recognise the importance of laying foundations for the future and giving our staff the opportunity for career development with us.”

South Stainley pub set to host artisan markets

A South Stainley pub is set to host three artisan Christmas markets this month.

The Inn South Stainley will hold the markets in an effort to showcase the best festive produce from local businesses.

The Inn at South Stainley owners Graham Usher and Matthew Rose.

They will run from 4pm to 8pm on three consecutive Thursdays – November 10, 17 and 24.

The three artisan Christmas markets will feature an array of regional goods including paper crafts, clothes, cards, 3D flowers and models, jewellery, gifts for animal-lovers, Christmas decorations, candles, bath bombs, clothing, bags, cakes, bakes and sweet treats.

Graham Usher, part-owner of the pub, said: 

“This is the first time we have hosted an event like this, and the support from businesses has been terrific.

“These markets are an ideal opportunity to do a spot of early Christmas shopping and at the same supporting local, home-grown enterprises. And those attending can browse the stands whilst enjoying a glass of mulled wine, hot chocolate or a Yorkshire Bratwurst sausage from the kitchen BBQ.

“The market will be a great opportunity for shoppers to find Christmas gifts, whilst enjoying the best of Yorkshire food and drink.”

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The Inn South Stainley is to introduce parking charges for people who do not use the venue.

The pub, midway between Harrogate and Ripon on the A61, has a 36 bus route directly outside.

Some people going to Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds use the site as a free park and ride.

Meters and signs have been introduced explaining that it will cost £2 to park for up to two hours, £4 for up to three hours and £5 for up to 10 hours.

Anyone using the pub, or the adjoining 12-bedroom accommodation, will be able to put their vehicle details into a touchpad screen when they enter to avoid the charge.

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Bar manager Chris Chapman said:

“Because the bus stop is right outside, people park and jump on the bus to go to Harrogate, Ripon and Leeds.

“We won’t be charging customers.”

The Stray Ferret revealed in February that parking meters had been installed in Ripley Castle Car Park.

The car park was also used for free by some people who then caught the 36 bus.

A Harrogate district pub is paying its staff to get double covid vaccinated in an effort to prevent further closure and keep its team healthy.

Graham Usher, co-owner of The Inn at South Stainley, has put a £100 incentive for staff to have their two covid jabs.

Those who get double vaccinated will receive the payment after their second vaccine.

Mr Usher, who employs 50 people across three sites, said the move to incentivise staff would help with both health and keeping the pub open.

He said:

“It’s cheaper for us to incentivise the team and keep the pub open.

“It’s a much better way to do this, rather than force everyone [to get the vaccine] it is up to them.”

Mr Usher added that the payment also incentivises younger staff to get the vaccinated.

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• The Red Lion at South Stainley to reopen with new name and owners

As of Monday, all 16 and 17 year olds will be offered a first dose of a covid vaccine.

Keeping the pub open

Mr Usher, who took over the pub with his co-owner Matt Rose in April, said The Inn had so far coped well with the so-called “pingdemic”.

He said one or two staff had been told to self-isolate, but the pub had largely managed.

Under new rules introduced on Monday, those who are fully vaccinated are not required to self-isolate when pinged by the NHS covid app.

Some hospitality businesses had to close under the old system after staff were forced to isolate.

Mr Usher added that he hoped that staff getting double jabbed would help prevent the pub from closing due to staff isolation.

The Red Lion pub on the A61 in South Stainley is to reopen on Wednesday under new owners and with a new name.

Partners Graham Usher and Matt Rose have bought the pub, which has been renamed The Inn South Stainley, reflecting its village location between Harrogate and Ripon.

For years, the pub was popular with families because of its Wacky Warehouse soft play area.

The previous owners of The Inn South Stainley, which closed in March last year, invested £1.5m on converting the original standalone building into eight bedrooms, refurbishing the interior and creating another four guest rooms on its first floor.

The venue will offer accommodation and serve gastro pub meals, drinks and snacks. It is planned to open the restaurant and function suite in July.

There are also plans for two teepees with fire pits in different parts of the inn’s extensive grounds, to host private functions, including private wedding parties.

On 36 bus route

The Inn South Stainley will be managed by Mr Usher and Mr Rose’s hospitality consultancy, Mattgray Hospitality.

Launched in January 2019, the business already operates Selby pubs The Castle Inn and the Drovers Arms.

To replicate their formula at South Stainley, the two men have brought with them the Drovers’ long-standing head chef, Shane White, and recruited Chris Lawton as general manager.

Mr Usher said the pub was “exactly what we were looking for”, adding:

“It had recently been refurbished to a very high standard and included guest rooms. And with the number 36 Ripon, Harrogate, Leeds bus stopping right outside, it’s ideal for staff and customers who want to leave the car at home.”

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Mr Rose said:

“Many people still call it by its previous name, The Red Lion, and talk about it being the place to go to eat and drink. Our intention is to make this well-known pub a must visit destination again for those who love great food, great drinks and a great atmosphere.”

More information about The Inn South Stainley is available here.