In an anonymous-looking office in south-east London, a handful of thirtysomethings are racking their brains to come up with a sensible plan for the future use of Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC). 

The exercise to “explore opportunities in the marketplace and appraise the best options for taking the venue forward” comes after North Yorkshire Council (NYC) decided last month to abandon the proposed £57 million development of HCC, citing complexities and costs. 

The centre needs investment, and it currently relies on a £2.7 million subsidy. Two applications for grant funding from the government have failed, so new thinking is needed.  

As the Stray Ferret revealed this week, North Yorkshire taxpayers are handing the team from London consultancy 31ten £23,000 plus VAT for the “soft market testing” project, which is due to conclude by “late spring”. So what might the consultants suggest? 

A report for the council’s ruling executive that took the decision to ditch the redevelopment stated: 

“Options may include, but are not limited to, alternative delivery and funding models, partnership working, alternative uses for parts of the site, and asset ownership.” 

In other words the council, which is looking to make serious savings over the coming years, is open to pretty much any suggestion, so long as it sounds viable. Everything, it seems, is on the table. 

In January, the Stray Ferret discovered the council had already spoken to private companies about the possibility of selling the convention centre. 

Council chief executive Richard Flinton told Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce that the council wanted to “understand private sector interest in the building” although he added “that doesn’t necessarily mean the council will look to offload it”. 

A more likely scenario could see parts of the site sold off, rather than the whole thing. That’s an option Simon Kent would be tempted to take. Mr Kent worked at Harrogate Convention Centre for 15 years from 2004, leaving in 2019 after more than six years as director. He told the Stray Ferret: 

“The main part of the convention centre is integrated, with parts of it underground, so you couldn’t knock bits of it down. But the exhibition halls are different. If some events were moved elsewhere, those could potentially be sold and redeveloped for other uses.  

“So perhaps there could be an option to move some of the events to the Great Yorkshire Showground and connect them to Harrogate via a shuttle bus. Whatever happens, we need to keep events coming to the town, even if they don’t come to Harrogate Convention Centre. From an economic point of view, the business would remain in Harrogate, so the impact would still be there.

“Clearly, the business is important to the town, so we have to be creative and make sure it stays in the town.” 

The business is indeed important to the town – it’s estimated to be worth £45 million a year to the local economy – which is why the council is looking at some radical options. 

Not many are as radical as the one suggested to the Stray Ferret by Andrew Williams. As North Yorkshire councillor for Ripon Minster and Moorside, he’s long been vehemently opposed to using public money to prop up the convention centre, which he believes is of no benefit to taxpayers beyond Harrogate. He told us: 

“I very much welcome North Yorkshire Council’s decision not to go ahead with investing £57m – more than the original £33m cost of building it – in what I think is a white elephant. It would be very helpful to get some private equity investment in so that it wasn’t as much of a drain on public finances.” 

He thinks the convention centre should put its money on a more imaginative approach. He said: 

“When conventions aren’t taking place, it should be used for more leisure activities. I’ve always thought a casino would be a good idea. 

“York has considerable trade in bachelor and hen weekends – go out in York on a weekend evening and it’s packed with young visitors – but Harrogate doesn’t have any of that, because there’s nothing to attract them. 

“Harrogate should be marketing itself as a destination for leisure activities in a way it clearly isn’t at the moment.” 

The idea of repurposing some of the site already has currency, albeit not yet in the form of casino chips. Paula Lorimer, director of the the convention centre, would like to reconfigure some of the conference rooms to create breakout space, a move she believes could bring in an extra £1 million a year. 

The Stray Ferret contacted Ms Lorimer – who, with an annual salary of £121,818 was recently revealed to be one of this district’s best paid public servants – for this article many times over the course of more than a month, but she did not reply.

Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre

Failing these options – selling it off, selling off parts of it, or repurposing it – there is another route the consultants could go down. Partnership working can yield benefits all round, allowing each party to play to their strengths. It’s an approach tentatively favoured by Kim Wilson, co-owner of The Camberley B&B, which is just across King’s Road from the convention centre. She said: 

“Parts of the convention could possibly be run by other bodies – for example, the Royal Hall could easily be run by Harrogate Theatre – so we’ll just have to see what’s out there. 

“It really comes down to what we want the convention to be. Is it a public asset with government support, or is it better as a privately-owned venture that goes out chasing business more aggressively? 

“My husband thinks it should be a protected asset, but I’m less fixed in my view. If it does get a partner in, they’ll have to be very careful when they’re choosing them – it’s about getting the right fit.” 

For Paula Lorimer and her team, what to do with a convention centre faced with unprecedented competition from – among others – London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Brighton and Blackpool is clearly a conundrum worth spending money to solve. 

But for Simon Kent, who has been entrusted with the archives of late local historian Malcolm Neesam, it all seems quite familiar. He said: 

“This isn’t the first time the convention centre has come to this point – there have been lots of exercises like this. In 1990-91, it looked at getting private-sector investment – it was the first thing the Liberal Democrats did when they got in. Then in 2000 there was another effort to get funding through Yorkshire Forward.

“People often think it all started in 1982 when the conference centre opened, but we were doing conferences and trade fairs in Harrogate as far back as the 1880s, so it was the natural thing to invest in that as the spa industry declined.

“It’s still a viable business, and people clearly still like coming to Harrogate, so it must have something. It’s just a matter of understanding what that is and capitalising on it.”

Read more:

• Exclusive: Council spent £1.9m on consultants for scrapped Harrogate Convention Centre plans
• Harrogate residents say convention centre visitors stealing parking spaces
• Council predicts positive future for Harrogate Convention Centre despite scrapping £57m redevelopment

Ripon’s food and drink hotspot may see a new hospitality business arriving in the New Year following the submission of a planning application to North Yorkshire Council.

The application for a change of use would, if approved, see the former offices of Newtons Solicitors at 4 Duck Hill turned into a restaurant and hot food takeaway.

The potential operator is un-named in the application which, if successful, would see the restaurant and takeaway using the ground and upper floor of the building.

The Silva Bells restaurant opened in March

It has been a busy year for property deals in this part of the city, with the Bikemongers off-road cycling retailer relocating last week to 2 Kirkgate, from its former base on Duck Hill and transactions that saw two new hospitality business open.

The Silva Bells opened in March in premises formerly occupied by the Bambudda Asian fusion restaurant at 23-25 Kirkgate and further up the street, The Portly Pig bottleshop and taproom, owned by Adam Coulson, opened in September in a historic building that was previously home to the Oasis florists and, before that, the Ripon Gazette newspaper office.

Main picture: The premises at 4 Duck Hill have been vacant since Newtons Solicitors relocated to Market Place South

Read more:

• New restaurant adds to Ripon’s hospitality offer
• Bottleshop and taproom opens in historic Ripon premises

The Pitcher and Piano in Harrogate has been taken over by the company that used to run the town’s Viper Rooms nightclub.

The bar, on the hospitality-rich John Street, will be known as The Harlow from Monday.

Paul Kinsey, who owns Harewood Group, announced the news today.

Mr Kinsey said in a statement:

“We are pleased to announce that from Monday, November 27 we have taken over the former Pitcher and Piano on John Street in Harrogate. In the short term it will be renamed The Harlow.

“We aim to immediately introduce live music and DJ Christmas party nights and create a great night out to complement our existing high quality food and drink service.”

John Street is a popular night spot.

He said the company was recruiting staff and management to add to the team it had inherited.

Mr Kinsey added:

“Then In the new year an exciting new concept will be introduced which we think our customers will love as much as we do.

“This is the start of our relationship with major pub companies taking over some of their sites and introducing the high quality management and entertainment that are our trademarks.”

Harewood Group owned the Viper Rooms, which closed in December last year.

Mr Kinsey lives near Harrogate and has continued to keep his eye on the market for opportunities.

The Stray Ferret reported in September that  the search was on to find a ‘self employed pub partner’ to take on the Pitcher & Piano.

Read more:

• Harrogate’s Pitcher & Piano to change name and management
• Harrogate’s former Viper Rooms building still empty despite interest

The Stray Ferret Business Club’s next meeting is a breakfast event on Thursday, October 26 at Banyan in Harrogate from 8am to 10am. 

The Business Club provides monthly opportunities to network, make new connections and hear local success stories. Get your tickets by clicking or tapping here.

The senior management team at Cedar Court Hotels has launched a new hotel management company in a bid to boost Yorkshire’s hospitality industry.

The directors launched NorSpark officially on Tuesday at the Independent Hotel Show at Olympia, and said they hoped it would help independent hotel owners create more profitable businesses, “sparking” success.

The move comes at a time when many businesses in the industry are struggling to cope with challenges including inflation and rising energy costs, recruiting and retaining staff, sustainability and net zero targets, and understanding digital marketing. Over the last year, 10% of businesses in the sector have filed for administration.

Cedar Court Hotels is reported to be Yorkshire’s largest independent hotel group, with a flagship hotel overlooking the Stray in Harrogate and other hotels in Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

NorSpark is led by managing director Wayne Topley, who will remain in his current role as managing director of Cedar Court Hotels. He will be supported by commercial director Emily Cox, who has worked for Cedar Court Hotels for eight years, and director of sales Nick Laing, who has spent five years at Cedar Court Hotels and previously worked at the Carlson Rezidor hotel group.

The company will operate the full hotel business including HR, operations, all commercial activity, sales and marketing, compliance, finance, and property/asset management.

Managing director Wayne Topley said:

“Our aim is to deliver unparalleled results for our clients by going beyond hotel operations and developing lasting partnerships built on trust, open communication, and a shared vision. I am very excited to be bringing the skills of our amazing team to help other hotel owners overcome the challenges facing our industry and spark success.”

NorSpark will hold an official northern launch event in the Tiled Hall at Leeds Art Gallery on November 15. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite.

Environmental risk firm rationalises

Adler and Allan, the Harrogate-based environmental risk management company, has said it will bring all its midstream and downstream fuel infrastructure services together under the Flotech brand.

Flotech designs, builds and manages infrastructure that stores, transfers and distributes industrial liquids, gases and waste.

Adler and Allan’s offices on Victoria Avenue.

In a statement, the company said:

“By merging resources and expertise under one roof, Adler and Allan is providing customers with a superior one-stop-shop for anyone requiring fuel or chemical infrastructure services. The combined offering will ensure customers have access to a more flexible and agile service, in addition to access to a greater range of specialisms.

“This is a great step forward for customers with the new division having the ability to deliver more complex end-to-end solutions, saving both time and money.”

Read more:

• Business Breakfast: Masham brewery announces leadership changes
• Business Breakfast: Harrogate environmental firm appoints director

“The restoration will enable us to reveal classical features, such as stunning stained glass windows and ornate tiles dating back to the elegant Edwardian era, that have been covered up since 1936 when the site was remodelled to include a public swimming pool.

“These features are part of Ripon’s heritage and will be freely accessible for people to see in the pump room area, which will be open for the community to visit.”

The proposed north (top) and west elevations.

“We have carried out a great deal of research into the history of the spa to produce a scheme that re-establishes the seamless link that it previously had with Spa Gardens.

“The new buildings have been designed to be sympathetic to, and respectful of, their historic surroundings.”

Rhe distinctive terracota cladding.

A plan to convert a former Cold Bath Road shop in Harrogate into a bar has been approved.

The proposal, which has been tabled by 17 Miles Ltd, will see the former store at 17 Cold Bath Road converted.

The building, next door to Lunns Blinds and Curtains, was previously occupied by Scandinavian clothes shop Bias, which has since moved to Montpellier Parade.

Now, North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert it into a bar and cafe.

Documents submitted to the authority propose opening times from 4pm to 11pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 12pm to 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Read more:

• Harrogate restaurant relaunches following £30,000 refurbishment
• Knaresborough Pure Gym confirms May opening date

However, further details, including the name, have yet to be revealed.

Cold Bath Road already has a selection of pubs and bars, including the Fat Badger, District Bar and The Last Post.

Provenance Collection has appointed two new senior staff at the  Punch Bowl Inn in Marton-cum-Grafton.

Brian Furey is to be the new general manager and Ian Matfin has been appointed head chef.

Provenance Collection has nine sites across North Yorkshire and employs more than 150 people. Last year, The Punch Bowl Inn was awarded Best Food Offer in the Publican Awards.

Brian Furey commented:

“This is an exciting opportunity to work within a team so committed to offering the best in hospitality. Our chefs work with nature, creating seasonal menus, sourcing from local and regional suppliers, this is a family that has a set of values to deliver exceptional customer experience, which is something I live by, too.”

New head chef, Ian Matfin has worked at some of the UK’s leading restaurants including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison, Claridge’s, and more recently at North Yorkshire’s Devonshire Arms.

Mr Matfin said:

“I have worked in kitchens large and small and with all manner of teams and have seen success at its best. Having the skillset in the kitchen is one thing but having the drive and the values of this group is something I am relishing. The field to fork mentality, the access to our own kitchen garden at Mount St. John, the incredible local artisans I get to work with make every day a new opportunity.”

Read More:

• Business Breakfast: New investor joins Harrogate IT company
• Plans for adult gaming centre on Knaresborough High Street

Fat Badger named county’s best pub

The Fat Badger in Harrogate been named as the best pub in North Yorkshire at the National Pub & Bar Awards.

A total of 94 pubs and bars were recognised as county winners in the awards which aim to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality sector.

“We’re delighted to have been considered for this amazing award, but to go on and win our county category is just wonderful and a real testament to the hard work all of my team put in to making the Fat Badger the friendly and welcoming place it is.

“The team are buzzing from the announcement and can’t wait until the overall national winner is announced as we really feel we deserve a shot at it!”

“I’m so proud that the Fat Badger has been recognised like this.  Whilst I’m probably biased, I do believe we deliver something special in our pub and have made the brand a well known one in recent years with people travelling from far and wide to experience the first class food, ales and of course service that we offer.

“We can’t wait to find out who will pick up the national pub of the year in June, but in the meantime, are delighted to be the overall North Yorkshire winner”.

The staff of a landmark Harrogate hotel have been left awaiting confirmation of redundancy, as its new owners closed the business and shuttered its doors today. 

The Hotel St George is to be remodelled and reopened as a pub with rooms following a 16-week programme of works, but none of the hotel’s 76 current employees has been invited to remain in post. 

General manager Paul Donkin said the day marked the end of an era: 

“It’s very sad – there’s a lot of upset here today. I came into this job just as lockdown ended, and I had seven weeks to put together a team and get the hotel back up and running. We’ve spent two years building the business back up again, so to see it close is hard to take. It’s very emotional for those of us who have put such a lot into it.” 

The St George Hotel, opposite the Royal Hall on Ripon Road, was bought in February last year by The Inn Collection Group, a Newcastle-based company that also owns the Ripon Spa Hotel, Dean Court in York, and the Black Swan in Helmsley, among others.  

The Inn Collection Group is the hotel’s third owner in as many years. Its previous owner, Bespoke Hotels, acquired it from Specialist Leisure Group, which went into administration in May 2020. 

Mr Donkin said: 

“Why they want to make everyone redundant, only to have to find new staff when they reopen, I don’t know – it makes no sense to me. 

“But to give them their due, Inn Collection Group have followed all the proper procedures and have been very decent about it.” 

Mr Donkin said the blow of redundancy had been further softened for most of the hotel’s employees because he had managed to find them alternative employment. 

He said: 

“The day after I heard the hotel was to close, I emailed the general managers of all Harrogate’s hotels, and they’ve all been fantastic, sending me their vacancy lists and moving heaven and earth to find people jobs. Probably 95% of staff now have new jobs to go to. 

“I always said hospitality was the best job in the world, but in Harrogate it’s even better.” 

The St George Hotel grew out of the Chequers Inn and was renamed after George III’s gift of the Stray to the people of Harrogate in 1778. 

It was enlarged several times during the 19th century and renamed the St George shortly before the First World War. 

It was badly damaged by fire in 1927 and requisitioned by the Post Office and Air Ministry during the Second World War before re-opening as a hotel in 1952. It acquired a spa facility in 1985. 

Read more:

• 76 jobs at risk at Harrogate’s St George Hotel
• St George Hotel in Harrogate to close at end of month
• Ripon’s Spa Hotel aims to reopen next spring

Business Breakfast is sponsored by Harrogate law firm Truth Legal.

A Harrogate digital agency has announced the appointment of a new commercial director.

IDHL Group, which is based on Otley Road and specialises in e-commerce, digital PR and social media, has appointed Tom Rigden to the newly created role at the company.

Mr Rigden will be tasked with overseeing the company’s web division as part of the new position.

He said:

“Idhl is an exceptionally well-run agency group with a proven growth model. The clear vision and ambition presented to me by the board made it hugely compelling for me to join. 

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and energy to the talented team here and am excited about what we can achieve together.”

Dennis Engel, chief executive of the company, added:

“As we continue to see tremendous growth within the digital space, this latest appointment signifies our commitment to bring onboard people that strengthen who we are and what we offer. Tom has the expertise and know-how to bring a new proposition to the business.

“We’re delighted to welcome him to IDHL and to get started on this new chapter within the group.”

Harrogate business event to focus on hospitality support

Support for the hospitality sector in Harrogate will be discussed at a business event this week.

Organised by Philip Bolson of Mr B Hospitality in partnership with York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, the event will hear from experts and politicians on how the industry can grow in the coming years.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones and Helen Suckling, partnership and commercial manager at Destination Harrogate, will be among the speakers.

Mr Bolson will also address the discussion, as well as Danny Wild, principal of Harrogate College, and Ross Tatham, general manager of Goldsborough Hall.

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to network and develop contacts.

The event will be held at Goldsborough Hall on Friday, November 25, at 1pm. You can find out more information on how to register here.

Read more:

• Sneak Peek: Starling shows off new spacious bar after major renovation
• Betfred to open bookmakers in Harrogate

It’s been a difficult October for hospitality in Harrogate town centre with a series of bars and restaurants closing.

This week Catch, home to the former Graveley’s fish and chip restaurant, and cocktail bar 63rd + 1st fell victim to rising prices and poor customer numbers.

Earlier this month the Stray Ferret reported that Samsons (formerly Le Bistrot Pierre) was not going to re-open.

All these venues had been open for a relatively brief period — Samsons opened in March this year, 63rd and 1st opened less than a year ago and Catch re-opened last year.

Read More:

• Harrogate’s former Graveley’s fish and chip restaurant closes
• 63rd+1st cocktail bar and restaurant in Harrogate to close

David Simister, chief executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said:

“It’s very sad to see this number of businesses closing, and in the current economic climate I fear there will be more to follow.

“The rise in raw materials, energy bills and running costs – coupled with customers tightening their belts – means for many it’s simply unaffordable to continue.

“We also have to remember the staff who have lost their jobs as a result, and hope they find alternative employment soon.”

There are those, though, who are evidently optimistic they can survive these difficult trading times.

This week the Stray Ferret reported on a number of smaller independents opening and expanding, such as the Husk Beer Emporium on James Street and the Starling Bar Cafe on Oxford Street.

As the town gears up for Christmas it will be a critical time for all Harrogate’s restaurants and bars to boost their income and create a financial buffer for a tough 2023.