Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus opened its first shop outside of London on James Street, Harrogate, a few months ago.
The luxury chocolatier that was founded in 1857 is known for inventing Belgian praline and offers a high-end chocolate experience.
Customers can learn about the history of each product in store – find out more about the stories behind Neuhaus here, while you can discover how you can get involved in the Insiders club where you can receive up to 10 free chocolate gifts per year below…
What is Neuhaus Insiders?
As a Neuhaus Insider, customers are the first to sample the latest innovations, limited edition collections and new ranges each month on a complimentary and commitment-free basis, as well as receiving a free box of birthday chocolates.
Neuhaus Insiders are also the first to be invited to exclusive preview events and find out more about its special promotions too.
How do I become a Neuhaus Insider?
All you need to do is sign up in store or online here and you can redeem your gift online or by visiting your local Neuhaus boutique.
FIND OUT MORE:
Neuhaus is located at 5 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS. To find out more visit the website.
Give furniture a new lease of life with these tips from Yorkshire upcyclers
(Lead Image: Usplash)
Upcycling can be a great way to breathe new life into old furniture, which is not only better for the environment, but also beneficial for your bank account too.
Social media is awash with time-lapse videos showing people turning preloved tables and cabinets from drab to fab – and while satisfying to watch, those ten second reels don’t fully represent the time and effort applied to each transformation.
It can be a daunting prospect to pick up a paintbrush or sandpaper and give it a go, but everybody has to start somewhere. The Stray Ferret spoke to Yorkshire artists and enthusiasts involved in upcycling and sustainability, to share some handy tips.
Don’t be afraid to experiment
Jodie with one of her creations (Jodie Flavell Artist)
Last month the Stray Ferret spoke to Harrogate-based artist Jodie Flavell about her background and the imminent opening of her new shop on Mayfield Grove. Although she had no formal training in interior design or art before she started working on preloved furniture, she managed to take what was a creative outlet and make it into a fully-fledged business.
She also shared some of the key learnings she’s taken from her experience, especially lessons she had to discover for herself along the way. Her first tip would be to carefully choose the right ‘canvas’ or item of furniture to work on.
Jodie said:
“Proper wood, even veneered wood is better as it can be sanded down, but cheaper, laminated wood effect is much harder to upcycle, and doesn’t take on paint as easily.”
Secondly, upcycling is all about experimenting – Jodie recalled that through her own trials and errors she realised ‘you don’t need to paint things one colour’ and that a light touch is needed.
“Sometimes people feel like they need to get as much paint on there and can be heavy-handed which is what causes drips and streaks.”
Start simple
Before and after (Image: Jessie Parker)
According to upcycling enthusiast Jessie Parker, an easy route into upcycling requires two simple variables: a spray can and a flat surface.
She explained:
“I’m a big fan of making my home look lovely, but I’m not a big fan of buying new. That’s why I love finding items in charity shops that look a bit sad but, with a bit of work, have real potential.
“Things like mirrors and old metal picture frames can be easily revived with a bit of spray paint.”
Jessie’s favourite colour to use is metallic gold as it can instantly make an item of furniture more vibrant. She recommends thoroughly sanding down the surface first and wiping it over with a damp cloth to remove any dust, so the colour has the best chance at holding.
Equally as important is to make sure when spraying the item, it’s placed on a flat surface, otherwise the risk of bumps, drips or uneven coverage can increase.
She added:
“You then want to shake the spray paint for at least a minute to avoid the fluids separating. I usually do three coats but you can experiment with this to get your desired results.
“You’ll soon have the spray painting bug and always been on the look out for new things to upcycle and rehome.”
First impressions aren’t everything
(Image: Usplash)
It can be easy to see a chair upholstered in a loud 80s fabric or a careworn table and immediately write it off as unsalvageable – or simply too ugly to transform. However, learning to look past the dated exterior and consider the potential in the piece is something that James Gascoigne from Leeds realised the hard way – and it left him kicking himself on the missed opportunity.
He explained:
“I moved into my first home in August 2022, and I was pretty hard up after buying a house, but I didn’t want to just buy cheap for-now pieces that I didn’t really like and would end up replacing quickly.”
James turned to Facebook marketplace for some of the larger items of furniture and came across a chair that he liked the look of – despite what he described as its ‘poor condition’.
However, after sending the picture to his partner he was dissuaded from buying it. It wasn’t until a several weeks later, when he mentioned it to a friend that he realised just what he’d passed up on.
“I showed this friend and they said they thought it was worth something and it looked pretty vintage – she thought it was a Ming chair, a famous style of furniture.
“When I Googled it, she was right – although we didn’t know how old the one on Facebook marketplace was, some of the high-end stuff goes for upwards of £400 and this had been sold for a fraction of that. Oh yes – it was sold straight away, no doubt to someone who didn’t hesitate.”
James didn’t make the same mistake twice and has successfully turned his hand to many other upcycling projects since around his home. His advice would be to at least view the item if you’re unsure – it’s a good way to check out the vintage credentials.
Not all projects are created equal
(Image: Pixabay)
With previous experience transforming preloved furniture to sell on as a passion project, Harrogate-based Steph Flint has several pearls of wisdom to share with budding upcyclers.
Explaining why she enjoys the process of giving furniture a new lease of life, she said:
“I can never find a piece of furniture in a shop that I like enough to purchase. I prefer old furniture with character that has stood the test of time.
“It’s very satisfying seeing an old dark unloved cabinet that nobody wants, become the focus point in a room, with a new purpose. I find painting furniture very relaxing, and I enjoy the creativeness. It can become quite addictive.”
In her time, she’s found that dark, ‘post-war’ furniture takes on paint easily, and is often sold cheaply, as it isn’t considered to be in fashion. But the right type of furniture isn’t everything; using the correct tools is important to the success of the project too.
Steph added:
“Start with something small – a small table or a chair. I prefer to use chalk paint. It is very forgiving and there is no preparation required before you start. Top tip – use synthetic paint brushes, they don’t shred and clean very easily.”
Lace up your boots for these picturesque waterfall walks in Yorkshire
(Lead image: Pixabay)
The region boasts many natural wonders, but one phenomena that never fails to bring the wow factor is the waterfall, and there are plenty of impressive examples dotted throughout the landscape.
From the popular to the tucked away, here are some unmissable walks in Yorkshire that include waterfalls en route.
Did you know? The reason that so many waterfalls have the word foss or force in their name can be traced back to the Vikings. Foss is the Old Norse word for waterfall – this is the same case with beck, fell, ghyll or gill.
Scaleber Foss, Settle
(Image: Pixabay)
Outside of Settle and on the road to Malham, Scaleber Foss is a great stop-off point to stretch your legs if you’re on a longer journey into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Although it’s a short, and well-signed route to the waterfall, there is a steep descent to the lower pool, passing a disused lime kiln on the way.
Once you’ve reached the bottom, there’s a large pool in which the waterfall cascades into, from a 40 foot drop.
Parking: There’s free parking along the verges and in the lay-by around Scaleber Bridge.
Don’t miss… The pool is a great spot to paddle when it’s warm, but take care as it isn’t always accessible, especially after periods of bad weather.
Force Gill, Whernside
Ribbleshead Viaduct can be seen on the walk (Image: Benedict Roberts)
Whernside is best known for being one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks – but did you know there’s a waterfall cascading off one of its sides?
Passing the iconic Ribbleshead Viaduct on the way there and back, you’ll need to deviate from the footpath that climbs Whernside at the gate on Smithy Hill.
Parking: There’s free roadside parking near the viaduct, but this can be popular, especially in summer months.
Don’t miss… The Settle to Carlisle railway passes over the viaduct, so you might be able to spot the billowing smoke of a steam train.
River Nidd Falls, Lofthouse
(Image: Pixabay)
These waterfalls don’t have an official name on the map, but they’re commonly referred to as Nidd Falls.
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside the hamlet of Lofthouse, there’s a series of waterfalls to be discovered in the woodland, with pools that can be paddled in – carefully, of course.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, Scar House Reservoir is also located nearby, and offers a four-mile stroll around the expanse of water.
Parking: There are several places to park depending on the length of your walk; Lofthouse car park, the village itself or the access road near Scar House Reservoir.
Don’t miss… If you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of places to refuel in Lofthouse, including the Crown Hotel, which is known for serving classic pub food, to be washed down with local ales.
Janet’s Foss, Malham
(Image: Pixabay)
It would be remiss to not mention this popular Yorkshire Dales walk, which takes in the iconic scenery of Malham – arguably more famous for the limestone pavement at Malham Cove.
Starting from the village, a footpath winds its way along the River Aire, through meadow and woodland, before reaching Janet’s Foss.
While local folklore tells of the queen of the fairies calling the area home, a less magical – but just as surprising – historical use for the pool beneath the waterfall was as a sheep dip.
Parking: There’s a car park in Malham village, but it is advised to arrive early to secure a space.
Don’t miss… The award-winning farm shop and café Town End Farm Shop is located on Malham Road, two miles outside of the village. If you’re looking for a unique experience, it runs charcuterie, salumi and curing courses throughout the year.
Mallyan Spout, Goathland
Mallyan Spout
Recognised as the highest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park at over 70 feet, Mallyan Spout was popular with tourists as far back as the Victorian era.
Accessible from Goathland, the walk can be challenging in parts, with large boulders to navigate as you near the waterfall. Walkers looking for a longer route often combine a visit to Mallyan Spout with Beck Hole, Thomason Foss and Nelly Ayre Foss.
The path can be slippery, especially in wet weather, so caution is advised.
Parking: There’s a pay and display car park in Goathland village and by the train station.
Don’t miss… Goathland station was featured in the Harry Potter film franchise, as Hogsmeade station, otherwise known as the stop for Hogwarts.
Lumb Falls, Hebden Bridge
The river at Midgehole (Image: Greg Wilson/unsplash)
Lumb Falls is located three miles outside of Hebden Bridge and two miles away from Hardcastle Crags.
The route can vary in length; approximately 1.7 miles one way from Hardcastle Crags and 3 miles one way from Hebden Bridge.
From either direction, you can enjoy peaceful woodland scenery, with some uphill sections.
Parking: For walks starting near Hardcastle Crags, there’s Midgehole car park. Alternatively, if you’re starting in Hebden Bridge there are numerous pay-and-display car parks in the centre.
Don’t miss… Hebden Bridge is well worth a visit, and is known for being an artist’s haven, with numerous independent businesses to explore.
Hardraw Force, Hawes
Hardraw Force
Reputed to be England’s highest single drop waterfall at 100 feet, Hardraw Force has been immortalised in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves but it was already famous in its own right as a beautiful feature of the Dales landscape.
Tucked behind the Green Dragon Inn, the short trail to Hardraw Force is accessible for a small fee, as the land is privately owned. For a longer route, walkers often set off from the charming market town of Hawes and follow the River Ure.
Parking: The Green Dragon car park, or the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in the centre of Hawes.
Don’t miss… The clearing below the waterfall lends itself to great acoustics, providing a perfect – and scenic – backdrop for the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival.
Yemi’s Food Stories: one year of celebrating Yorkshire’s food
Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.
Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.
Yemi’s Food Stories was a year-old last week and it’s a perfect time to reflect on my journey since pitching the idea for a food column.
There have been many highlights over the past year, and I have been privileged to meet amazing chefs and independent food retailers. I have loved dining out and writing about my experiences and enjoyed sharing my recipes and stories.
Readers have been supportive with many of you sending in recommendations of places to go, pointing out the odd mistake and giving feedback that have made me a better writer. Some readers, like Ann Townson, have become friends and others have dropped my name when visiting places to encourage the food retailers.
A fruity entrement made by @babnaspatisserie to celebrate the anniversary milestone
I want to take this moment to appreciate everyone of you for coming along with me on this journey and taking time to read my posts.
After taking part in MasterChefUK 2022 competition, where I finished in the top six as a semi-finalist, I wanted to give back by recognising those behind the scenes of our food and drink: from farmers, producers to retailers by championing their produces, products and events.
More festivals
Despite having lived in Harrogate for over ten years, I never made it to the Great Yorkshire Show until last year when I was covering the event for my food column. This was a brilliant opportunity to meet those I wanted to write about, and I can’t wait to see them again this year and discover new products.
This year, I will be doing a chef demonstration on the main GYS cooking stage and covering the event.
A standout cauliflower dish
I visited many food festivals including the RHS Festival of Flavours, Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripley and Yorkshire Dales where I did food demos and covered the events.
This year I am going further afield to East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Manchester food festivals and Mountainview food and wellness festival at Kilkenny in Ireland so I will be bringing you any fabulous food and product finds.
More experiences
Some of my highlights stand out for reasons over and above the food and drink. For the scenery and scenic drives, the Himalayan Gardens, Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall and Cocoa Joe’s in Boroughbridge were memorable.
For behind the scenes, visiting Rudding Park Kitchen Garden, baking at Bettys Cookery school and spending time with Chef Mehdi Boukemach at Fodders were fun and educational.
A dessert made by Samira Effa of Bar & Restaurant EightyEight
Some places have become the heart of the community where great food, drinks and friendly faces are waiting for you; visiting Folk Coffee House along Leeds Road was fantastic and felt like hanging out at a friend’s place.
More fine dining
For fine dining and exceptional classical cookery, Bar & Restaurant Eighty-Eight at Grantley Hall was a definite highlight for me along with Paradise Café at Daleside nursery, Kendell’s Bistro Leeds and Rhubarb Harrogate. Check out Ake & Humphris along Leeds Road for excellent wine selections and expert advice.
For great experiences and wonderful gifts ideas for your ‘foodies’, Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours, Yolk Farm & Minskip Farm shop and a tour of Ellers Farm Distilleries with a tasting of stunning cocktails are perfect.
Dining at Rhubarb
The Afghan and Syrian kitchen experiences are fantastic values and the perfect way to learn about new cultures and food whilst listening to people’s stories.
I had a fantastic brunch at the Hideaway in Boroughbridge where chef Ben Keightley is delighting the locals who would actually like to keep the place hidden in plain sight – but their secret is out, and we can all enjoy the brunch experience.
More future stars
Meeting cake designer, Kean Ong from Blossom Tree Cake Company was special. From the sublime flavours of cake, the intricate handmade flowers to their timeless and elegant designs, I can see why they are chosen by many couples.
At Harrogate Ladies College
Speaking of future stars, spending the day mentoring some students at Harrogate ladies College was a brilliant experience.
More to come…
There is more to come in this new year, so please get in touch if you want me to check out your restaurant, shop, coffee house, products, produces or events. Keep sending in your recommendations and thank you for your continued support.
Great getaways less than three hours’ drive from Harrogate
(Above image: Derwentwater, The Lake District. Pixaby)
Popular escapes close to home in Yorkshire and beyond
With the cost of holidays abroad seeming to go up and up each year, more people are choosing to stay closer to home for weekends away and longer trips. After all, it can be a lot of hassle getting to and from the airport and going through security, whereas with staycations all you need to do is jump in the car or get on the train and you’re at your destination.
But where are some of the most popular places close to home?
The Lake District
(Image: Scafell Hills, Eskdale. Pixaby)
Distance from central Harrogate: it depends where in The Lake District you visit but it is approximately a two-hour drive to most locations.
The Lake District is known for its stunning landscape featuring lakes, coast and mountains – including the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike that is quite a feat to climb up – all of which make for beautiful backdrops for walks that the area is renowned for.
As well as walking, there are many other outdoor activities to make the most of this scenery including gorge scrambling, abseiling, rock climbing and paddleboarding.
Although Windermere is undoubtedly one of the most popular locations, be sure to check out other places in both the North and South Lakes including the town of Keswick and smaller quaint villages such as Grasmere and Buttermere. You can keep your energy up with some Kendal Mint Cake along the way.
There are also popular tourist sites to visit such as The World of Beatrix Potter, one of the most famous literary names the Lake District is associated with.
Did you know? There’s actually only one lake in The Lake District and that’s Bassenthwaite Lake. The others are ‘meres’ or ‘waters’.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
(Image: Saltburn-by-Sea. Wikipedia Commons)
Distance from central Harrogate: approximately an hour and a quarter drive.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is often the go-to destination for a day trip to the seaside thanks to its miles upon miles of sandy beaches.
Parking can often be found close to the front, and from there you can take a walk along the dramatic clifftops that comprise the Hunt Cliff reserve that are among the highest cliffs on the East Coast of England.
Some of the must-dos include eating fish and chips on the beach and riding the famous funicular Saltburn Cliff Lift, which provides access to Saltburn Pier and the seafront from the town.
(Image: Saltburn Pier. Pixaby)
Did you know? Saltburn pier is the only remaining pier in Yorkshire.
Distance from central Harrogate: approximately two and a half hours’ drive.
Known for its pristine, stunning white beach, you almost feel as though you’re not in the UK when visiting Bamburgh, and its impressive castle stands proud atop a 180-foot crag so you can see it from pretty much wherever you are on the coastline.
There are sand dunes abound, rock pools to go crabbing in and cafés and pubs aplenty to grab a bit to eat in.
Other places to visit nearby include Seahouses and Holy Island, the former of which you can walk to from Bamburgh.
Did you know? Bamburgh Castle is not just a tourist attraction; it’s a working castle and is one of the largest inhabited castles in the UK.
The Peak District
(Image: the Peak District. Pixaby)
Distance from central Harrogate: approximately an hour and a quarter drive.
One of the top things to do in the Peak District is to go on a countryside walk taking in the arresting vistas with a pit-stop at a pub along the way.
Aside from this, the Peak District has many charming villages and towns to explore, including the spa town of Buxton, known for its Romanesque architecture.
Other must-visits sites include heading to Bakewell for a Bakewell tart (spoiler alert: it’s nothing like Mr Kipling’s), uncovering the area’s caves and caverns and seeing the fascinating rock formations, as well as visiting the many stately homes and castles that are in the area.
Did you know? The Peak District features Britain’s oldest long-distance national walking trail, the Pennine Way. It starts at Edale and stretches to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders and is 268 miles long.
Did you know that Everyman in Harrogate screens National Theatre Live productions?
There’s no need to travel to the Big Smoke to see what’s on at the National Theatre, instead you can feel as though you’re at the renowned theatre in London thanks to the luxury cinema chain’s live screenings at its regional premises.
An initiative operated by the Royal National Theatre in London, it broadcasts live, by satellite, performances of their productions – and those of other theatres – to cinemas and arts centres around the world.
The programme began its pilot season in June 2009 with a production of Phèdre, starring Helen Mirren, which screened live in 70 cinemas across the UK. Two hundred more venues eventually showed the production internationally, resulting in a combined audience of around 50,000 people for this one performance.
The second production, All’s Well That Ends Well, was shown at approximately 300 screens.
Today, the number of venues that show NT Live productions has grown to approximately 700 with 11 million people watching them across the globe. Many of the cinemas also offer repeat screenings of popular productions which are termed as ‘Encores’.
Whether you’re watching Kit Harington go to battle in Henry V, or Phoebe Waller-Bridge delivering her solo tour de force in Fleabag, you’ll be at the heart of the action without the big trip down to London.
Did you know?
Most venues screen the productions live as they are broadcast, but due to time differences in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States venues in those countries, they show the recorded production some days later.
The actors on stage deliver their performances as they normally would any other night. But to make sure audiences watching in the cinemas have the best seat in the house, it tailors the position of its cameras to capture each production and works closely with technical teams to make sure every element on stage such as lighting, hair and make-up look as good on the big screen so it’s the next best thing to being there.
What National Theatre productions are on this month and next at Everyman Harrogate?
Harrogate’s Everyman is showing Nye, which details the story of Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan, the Welshman who has often been referred to as the politician with greatest influence on our country without ever being Prime Minister.
This is all thanks to his tireless campaign for the nationalisation of hospitals that eventually became the birth of the National Health Service in 1948.
Roger Evans (Archie Lush), Michael Sheen (Nye Bevan) and Sharon Small (Jennie Lee). Photography credit: Johan Persson
Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris, fellow Welshman Michael Sheen plays the title role which delves Bevan into his deepest memories and a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament, and fights with Churchill.
It’s a must-see minus the travel.
Tickets from £19.50, it runs for two hours 40 minutes at 6.45pm on April 23, and 1pm on May 8. Everyman Harrogate, Westgate House, Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1HQ.
5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend
Get out and about with our guide of the top cultural goings-on from 19-21 April.
See the bluebells of Nidderdale
Now that the weather is finally fine and dry, it’s time to dust off those walking boots and get out into the great outdoors. And this walk is especially for you if you’re an experienced hiker as it’s a 20-mile loop.
Starting in Hampsthwaite, you’ll walk along the River Nidd then onto Brimham Rocks and Ripley Castle, and on it you’ll see all of the springtime sights including the beautiful bluebells of Nidderdale.
Free, 8am, April 20, starting at Hampsthwaite Church, Station Lane, Hampsthwaite, Harrogate, HG3 2HB. Unfortunately no dogs are allowed on this guided walk.
Paint like Picasso
(Image: Annie Dalton’s Picasso-inspired Two Sleeping Dogs)
Unleash your creativity at one of PopUp Painting’s events held at Harrogate’s Major Tom’s Social Bar. Themed on artist Annie Dalton’s Picasso-inspired Two Sleeping Dogs, try your hand at painting a masterpiece that you can hang on the walls of your home afterwards.
The two-and-a-half-hour class includes all art supplies, and you can also ask for guidance if you so wish.
£35.99, 3-5.30pm, April 21, Major Tom’s Social Bar, The Ginnel, Harrogate, HG1 2RB.
Watch Sister Act the Musical
You can’t go wrong with a musical, and Sister Act the Musical is especially uplifting. The community production presented by Ripon Amateur Operatic Society tells the story of Deloris van Cartier who witnesses a murder and takes refuge in a convent.
Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior and she turns the convent choir into a soulful chorus complete with a Motown repertoire.
From £20, 7.30pm April 17 – 20, and a matinee at 2.30pm on April 20, Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.
Attend a printmaking workshop
(Image: Pixaby)
Learn the basics of how to use printing blocks at this workshop at St Mark’s Church where you can pick your own pattern to stamp a pattern or a message onto a piece of fabric.
All materials are included, as well as light refreshments.
Free but suggested donation £5, 10am-4.30pm, April 20, St Mark’s Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY.
Watch The Making of Motown
Local author Derek Shelmerdine is co-presenting Harrogate Film Society’s Season 1 of Music Legends.
The first film of the series of four is on Friday night is Hitsville: The Making of Motown that details the golden age of the soul music legend. It looks at the birth of Motown in Detroit in 1958 until its relocation to Los Angeles in the early 1970s.
Featuring rare performances, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage offer insight into the history and cultural impact of Motown Records.
£6 or £5 for HFS members, doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 7.30pm, April 19, Bilton Club, Skipton Road, Harrogate, HG1 4LL.
Also check out…French Impressions that explores music by two of the great French Impressionist composers: Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. It’s on at Ripon Cathedral at 7.30pm on April 20 and tickets cost from £20.
Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk
The cherry blossom is in full bloom on the Stray, Harrogate
The annual display of cherry blossom is now in full bloom – catch it while you can as you walk along the Stray’s paths.
Here are five fun facts you might not know about the sakura trees…
Did you know?
The planting of cherry trees became popular in Europe and America in the 20th century after Japan presented trees to the United States as a token of friendship in 1912.
Harrogate’s ornamental trees were said to have been planted to celebrate the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
There are more than 100 types of cherry blossom trees. They can vary in shape of tree, colour, petals and bloom time.
Each cherry tree differs in time of when it reaches full bloom, even if they are planted in the same area.
They tend to only be in full bloom for one week.
Email in your images of the blossoms – either in Harrogate or from your local area – for a chance to be featured in our extra-special spring edition of Photo of the Week to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Yorkshire-based interior design practice, Studio Two, orchestrated its redesign and renovation, which has been designed to elevate the usual hotel restaurant experience. Inspired by the building’s rich history, think ornate detailing, earthy warm tones, and intricate details.
Offering a Yorkshire take on contemporary British cuisine in a sophisticated setting, the chefs have been working closely with local suppliers to design a carefully curated menu.
Beef brisket at Amber’s
Dishes include 28-day dry aged steaks Hereford breed beef, sourced locally from Sykes House Farm, Wetherby, roasted Gressingham duck breast and Sunday lunches with all the trimmings.
Meanwhile, its bar offers a mixture of traditional and modern drinks and includes the signature Amber’s margarita cocktail, which is made with pineapple tequila, agave syrup and lime juice. This is inspired by Lady Amber Fitzwilliam and her travels to South America, a fictional character, which has been invented to add depth and intrigue to the backstory of the new restaurant.
The private dining room at Amber’s
Alongside its main restaurant and bar which seats 75 people, there is a newly created private dining and entertaining venue, The Imaginarium, which offers capacity for up to 28 people, and the refreshed banqueting venue, known as The Queen Suite, has a capacity of up to 250 people.
The main dining room at Amber’s
Wayne Topley, Managing Director, Cedar Court said:
“It is fantastic to finally be able to share our brand-new restaurant, Amber’s, with guests, visitors and members of the local community after months of hard work.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our event on Tuesday 16 April to showcase what we have been working on, celebrate and make connections!”
Amber’s Restaurant,Cedar Court Harrogate, Park Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5AH.
The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park in Ripon has a new 60-strong artwork exhibition
Above: Fish Pool by Diane Maclean
Go on an immersive journey through art and nature at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, near Ripon, at its new 60 collection artwork exhibition entitled Sculpture in the Landscape. It opens for the season next week on Thursday April 18 until the end of October 2024.
Showcasing artists from across the globe, the pieces are dotted around the 45 acres of gardens and will be on display along with the 90 mixed media permanent sculptures.
Willow Snow Tiger by Leila Veneer
From monumental installations to intricate pieces, each sculpture will invite those visiting the garden to think about the artwork in a unique and thought-provoking manner. This is all to the backdrop of the gardens that are home to more than 20,000 plants, including one of the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.
Visitors can expect to encounter sculptures crafted from a myriad of materials, each telling a unique story and the garden can make for a great day out for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike.
Barn Owl And Vole by Bryn Parry
Will Roberts from the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park said:
“We are delighted to present this exhibition, celebrating the intersection of art and nature.
“This year’s exhibition features a rich tapestry of creative expressions, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of both the sculptural and natural worlds and provides a platform for established and emerging artists to showcase their talent while fostering dialogue about the environment, culture, and society.”
The artwork will also be available for visitors to buy should they wish; just head to this link for details.
Gallery
A Vessel by Cillian Briody
Mr And Mrs Pig by Henrietta Bud
Fallen Fruit, Apple III by Chris Moss
A Vessel by Cillian Briody
The Watchman by Rory Cannon
A Brisk Walk by Simon Conolly RBSA, RSMA
Aderyn by Stephen Page
Swift Return by Gill Wicks BA(Hons) Fashion Design, PGCE