Brew York has acquired The Mitre in Knaresborough.

It is one of three venues taken over by the independent brewery via an agreement with Market Town Taverns.

Brew York, which was founded in 2016 on Walmgate in York by Wayne Smith and Lee Grabham, has also acquired the Horse & Farrier in Otley and Coopers Bar and Brasserie in Guiseley.

The Mitre opened in 1923 but its future had been uncertain since it closed last year.

The pub, which is next to Knaresborough’s grade two listed train station, has a large central bar, function room, outdoor seating area and rooms to let.

According to a statement issued today, the plan is to take over all three venues this month with no significant changes,

Brew York beers will become the bar offer – across traditional hand-pull cask and keg, including lager – and the street food offer that has been a formula across existing Brew York venues will be introduced.

The Mitre

All Brew York beers are brewed in York either at the original brewery on Walmgate or at the main production facility in Osbaldwick, so the three venues will be a showcase of Yorkshire beer.

Towards the end of 2023 Brew York recruited John Hoe as bar operations director to lead an expansion programme.

As part of this, the existing four Brew York bars in York (Walmgate and Osbaldwick), Pocklington, and Leeds city centre have had their opening times extended.

Brew York managing director Wayne Smith said:

“We’ve now developed four solid Brew York venues that all offer a dynamic craft beer experience and we’ve realised a key opportunity to further strengthen and grow the business in this area.”

Business finance group Fresh Thinking Advisory advised on the deal.

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The Ripon-based online meat retailer Farmison & Co is to re-commence trading.

A consortium led by Andy Clarke, the former chief executive of Asda, today acquired the company from administration for an undisclosed sum.

John Pallagi who co-founded the business with Lee Simmons in 2011, is not listed as a consortium member.

The consortium said in a statement:

“Over the course of the coming weeks, the consortium intends to recommence operations at Farmison’s production facility in Ripon and return the business to being an important employer in the city.

“The consortium will work with the whole leadership team to firstly stabilise the company after a difficult year and then devise and implement a growth strategy.”

It is not known how many staff will be hired but a spokesman said a “substantial” number of positions will be created.

Mr Clarke, who was chief executive officer of Leeds-based Asda from 2010-16 will become executive chairman of Farmison.

Acknowledging the vision of Mr Pallagi, he said:

“While unable to navigate the economic difficulties of the last 12 months, John’s ‘eat better meat’ mission that sits at the heart of Farmison’s business, is one we believe has significant potential for growth.

“And as a retailer brought up on a farm in Yorkshire, I know how producers across the region appreciated Farmison’s commitment to the best producers who could provide the highest quality meat to customers.

“That’s why I’m very excited about Farmison’s prospects.  We have an opportunity to scale this business and further develop both its direct-to-consumer and wholesale plans, building on the ethos and values of what Farmison stands for.”

Read more:

• Consortium submits bid to bring back Ripon firm Farmison
• Assets to be sold at failed Ripon firm Farmison

But Mr Clarke added:

“Nevertheless, there is much work to do to get the business back on its feet and trading again — not least re-engaging with Farmison’s important network of farmers across the region and re-employing colleagues”.

“In the short-term, our goal is to bring financial stability to the business, and we’re committed to re-energising Farmison’s long-term vision so it can take advantage of the growth opportunities that are undoubtedly available to it.”

In the course of the coming weeks, the consortium expects to re-open Farmison’s website.

Farmison sells online directly to customers across the UK, and through wholesale channels such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Michelin star restaurants.

Other consortium members include former Farmison board member Gareth Whittle, founder and former managing director of Chilli Marketing.

Chilli Marketing’s Christian Barton and Kieron Barton are also involved with the consortium.

Arvindar Jit Singh, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory said:

“We are thrilled to have been able to secure a buyer for Farmison who is able to recommence trading and bring jobs back to Ripon.

“There had been significant interest in purchasing the business and assets of Farmison and a number of serious offers had been put forward in recent weeks, but the proposal from the consortium provides the best opportunity of both re-establishing the business and maximising returns to creditors.”

An online butcher from Ripon has been acquired by specialist consumer brand investor Inverleith.

Farmison & Co has a focus on British heritage and rare breeds, and an ethical, sustainable supply chain. It sells beef and pork.

John Pallagi, Farmison founder and chief executive, said:

“We now have the backing to take the business to the next stage and for our mission to encourage more people to eat better meat.”

Harrogate jeweller to sponsor football team

Ogden of Harrogate is supporting grassroots girls’ football by sponsoring Pannal Sport Pythons under-12s.

Rob Ogden, director of Ogden of Harrogate, said:

“The girls are talented and passionate and it’s great to see this and be able to encourage it. Due, in part, to the lack of funding and interest in female football a lot of young talented players give up.

“We’re hoping that in a small way our support will encourage some of the girls to keep going and, who knows, we may have a future Lucy Bronze or Rachel Daly in the team.”

Chamber meeting to focus on social media

David Simister (left), chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, with president Martin Gerrard.

Tonight’s meeting of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce will include a talk on how to maximise social media in marketing strategies.

Held at Pavilions of Harrogate from 5.30pm, it begins with informal networking before expert speakers deliver their advice to the audience.

Meetings are open to all chamber members and free to attend for first-time visitors. Subsequent visits are £10 per person.

To book a place, email ceo@harrogatechamber.co.uk.