This week, we spoke to Lee Bellwood, owner of Major Tom’s Social in Harrogate.
Tell us in fewer than 30 words what your firm does.
We make fresh pizza and source some of the best beer you can get in the UK and abroad. We do cocktails as well, and in the next couple of weeks we’ll be starting to do lunches and brunches.
What does it take to be successful in business?
You need a good team behind you, consistency, and a USP (unique selling point). Ours is that we’re a ‘youth club for grown-ups’. We wanted to create somewhere to go where we felt comfortable, and where you could bring your kids. That’s the ‘social’ side of Major Tom’s Social.
What drives you to do what you do every day?
Basically, I just want to be in a business where I can enjoy work and not have to answer to anyone else. I like food and I like drink, so this is something I really love doing.
What has been the toughest issue your company has had to deal with over the last 12 months?
My business partner, Toby Smith, left the business to do something else, so I’ve taken it over from him. Before, I was more hands-on, but now I’m a lot more involved with payroll and VAT returns.
I’ve just opened a new bar in Otley, the Curious Hop Bière Café. It’s a bit tricky at times – it’s going well, but I just have to balance my time between the two.
Which other local firms do you most admire, and why?
I admire any independent business that can keep its head above water after covid. It was such a difficult time.
Baltzersen’s brought out its bakery just as covid was hitting and did very well out of that.
Stuzzi have done well with their gins, and opening a new site in Leeds.
Paradise Tap & Taco is doing very well too – owners Josh and Ellie were both my old managers for about five years.
Lee Bellwood, owner of Major Tom’s Social in Harrogate.
Who are the most inspiring local leaders?
I don’t really admire any local leaders, to be honest. I struggle to answer that question.
Anyone, locally or further afield, who works to combat racism and climate change, I take my hat off to.
What could be done locally to boost business?
Any time there’s a big event going on, I find it difficult to find out about it. I normally find out at the last minute. For example, if there’s a craft fair in the Valley Gardens, I may only find out about it the day before, but businesses like mine need plenty of notice about these things.
There needs to be a really good social media group – on Facebook or Instagram – to share information about these events so we can plan ahead.
Best and worst things about running a business from Harrogate?
That’s quite hard! The people we get in here are really nice and friendly – our customer base is great. We also get a lot of visitors to the town, which helps us, and it’s also great to work above Steve [Elvidge] in Space [the vintage and retro shop on The Ginnel].
The sense of community between all the independents in Harrogate is really nice: Starling, Paradise, Cold Bath Brewing Co, and Thug Sandwich Company. If I run out of pizza boxes, I can always borrow a load from one of the others, and we all have our staff do’s in each other’s places.
The worst? The parking fees. Also, the amount of licences the council gives out to premises nearby. Since we’ve been here, there have been eight or nine places given alcohol licences within 100 yards of here.
What are your business plans for the future?
We hope to introduce slightly longer opening hours over the weekends, with brunches and lunches, and we want to use the space as more of an events centre. We already have pop-up painting on Sundays, but I’d like to see more exhibitions and talks as well, giving it a real community feel. I want it to be open to everyone too, so it’ll be quite inclusive.
What do you like to do in your time off?
I love hiking, paddleboarding, travelling, hanging out with my family – and not eating pizza!
Recently I went paddleboarding on Coniston and that evening we saw the Northern Lights. It was almost like a religious experience: the best day ever!
Best place to eat and drink locally?
Obviously here. Apart from us, though, Paradise is nice, Stuzzi is good, and Baltzersen’s is good for coffee and cakes.
But my favourite is the Wild Plum Café on Hookstone Road. I go there with my mum and mother-in-law. The food is always interesting, with lots of foraged ingredients, and it’s all tasty and inventive.
This is the latest in a regular series of weekly Business Q&A features. If you’d like to suggest someone in business in the Harrogate district for this feature, drop us a line at contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
Read more:
What our business community is saying about 2024
As 2023 winds down and we start to look to the year ahead, there are some things we can be fairly certain will come our way over the next 12 months.
North Yorkshire will go to the polls in May to elect its first ever Mayor, and there will probably be a General Election too. One has to be held by January 28, 2025, but sometime in 2024 – May or November, perhaps – seems far more likely.
The Bank of England expects inflation to continue to fall over the coming year, and so too will house prices, according to most forecasters.
Locally, though, individual people in business have their own forecasts – and hopes – for the year ahead. So we asked a cross-section of the district’s business community what their aspirations and expectations are for 2024. From electric gritters to selling beer in Taiwan, here’s what they had to say:
Katie and Paul Rawlinson – owners, Baltzersen’s and Bakeri Baltzersen
“Small business owners have to be optimists by nature, so we’ll enter 2024 full of determination to make it our best year yet.
“We’ll invest further in making sure Baltzersen’s can compete with a growing number of really great venues in Harrogate.
“We’re also planning to raise our game in the bakery, Bakeri Baltzersen, with refinements and improvements planned across our whole range of bread and pastry, including a good number of new products and the launch of our first vegan range.”
Photo: Matthew Lloyd.
Annie Wilkinson-Gill – owner, The Crystal Buddha, Knaresborough
“I’m very excited for what 2024 will bring for The Crystal Buddha.
“I have so many things planned for next year, including organising the Knaresborough Wellness Festival on March 24, which is a celebration of lots of lovely local holistic businesses, where anyone can come along and sample what they have to offer!
“We have talks and workshops, stalls and an opportunity to experience a sound bath or aura photography alongside some self-care and retail therapy.”
Simon Eyles – managing director, Bettys
“As with the last few years, I am sure this next year will bring lots of uncertainty, challenge, and change. One thing that is for certain, Bettys will continue to focus on delighting every single customer.
“I’m expecting customers to be increasingly selective in where they spend their money, so we will ensure we provide a brilliant Bettys experience like no other.
“I’m also looking forward to some amazing new menu items and delicious new products from our craft bakery. Look out for those!”
Matthew Chapman – manager, Harrogate BID
“Looking ahead to 2024, as we launch the new objectives within our term 2 business plan of pride in our town, a vibrant town and voice and vision is looking as positive. Dates for events are set, promotional plans for our town taking shape and proactive Harrogate BID teams on the street likely to be expanded.
“Strategically, we would like to see the Government follow up on a policy announced in May 2022 on local leaders being given more power within long-term commercial vacant units.
“We are also keen to continue our positive collaboration with the local authority and future North Yorkshire Mayor as we head towards devolution that should provide more local powers, decision making and funding.”
Zakaria Battal – owner, Kurdish Kitchen, Harrogate
“I think my business will carry on growing in 2024.
“It can be hard to get bookings, and when I do, there’s so much paperwork, but that’s actually good, as it makes me more experienced.
“It also makes it safer for people – I have a five-star food hygiene rating.
“My dream is to open a Kurdish Kitchen restaurant here in Harrogate, so hopefully I’ll get closer to doing that. I’m starting small and slowly getting bigger, one step at a time.”
Sharon Canavar – chief executive, Harrogate International Festivals
“2024 will be the first year we have the Harrogate International Festivals team back up to full strength post-Covid, so I am looking forward to an amazing year of events and festivals.
“We have our usual programmes with one or two very special events including a free light festival across Harrogate town centre, as well as the return of the Spiegeltent – so lots to celebrate.
“We know times are hard for everyone, so I hope that the range of work we do will touch everyone in some way, bringing a little joy or fun into their lives and the community which we serve.”
Richard Bradbury – managing director, T&R Theakston
“At Theakstons, we expect to see continued growth for our major brands like the iconic Old Peculier and some of the new beers which have been going down incredibly well as increasing numbers of pubs and supermarkets choose to stock our beers. Although prices continue to increase, the fact that the rate of increase is much lower than 12 months ago gives us confidence that we can continue to keep our beers affordable for drinkers, wherever they’re purchased.
“As a business, our focus for 2024 will continue to place beer quality at the centre of everything we do. As a result, we are substantially growing our investment into the brewery to keep this at the heart of our business and honour our commitment to drinkers.
“Turning further afield, having re-entered the US market in 2023, we’ve been buoyed by the growing worldwide demand for our beers and are looking forward to building new distributor relationships in countries including Poland, Sweden and Taiwan.”
Lee Bellwood – co-owner, Major Tom’s Social
“Being an independent in the bar and restaurant trade is always challenging. With various terrible things happening around the world, I’m happy if we can keep our heads above water. We are in a fortunate situation compared to lots of others.
“At Major Tom’s Social we are looking at extended opening hours and organising some more social educational events.
“Hopefully, Harrogate will still attract visitors and tourists even with its dwindling high-street presence.”
Paula Lorimer – director, Harrogate Convention Centre
“Future forward bookings for the year ahead look promising and we are expecting to exceed driving £40 million of economic impact in 2024/25 to support businesses.
“I would like to thank businesses across the borough, especially the hotels and restaurants who support our clients and make event organisers and delegates feel so welcome in our spa town. If Harrogate Convention Centre is successful in making the business case for further investment, then the sky’s the limit to what we can achieve!”
Charlene Lyons – CEO, Black Sheep Brewery
“It goes without saying that 2023 has been a turbulent year, with inflated prices and the cost-of-living crisis impacting us and so many businesses across the Harrogate district. However, Black Sheep Brewery is still moving forwards and we’re hopeful for a much stronger 2024 with some positive changes coming soon. We remain committed to securing local employment as well as continuing to innovate and produce high-quality beers, brewed right here in Yorkshire.
“There have been many positive things that have happened at the brewery in recent months that have helped the team finish strongly for the year. This includes the opportunity to collaborate with and raise funds for Rugby legend Rob Burrow MBE with the launch of ‘Burrow’s Blonde’, a delicious new beer now on tap in your local pub that is already proving to be one our most popular brews.
“In 2024, we also plan on further cementing partnerships with pubs and retailers both across Yorkshire and the wider country, as well as supporting our local communities by renewing sponsorships with grassroots sports clubs such as Harrogate Town AFC.”
Jonathan Lupton – managing director, Econ Engineering, Ripon
“This year has seen Econ continue to develop and demonstrate the UKs first ever fully electric gritter, the E-QCB, which is currently being used at various sites across the country. A major stride in the push for a more sustainable solution to our nation’s working fleet of vehicles, we look forward to working with councils and contractors in 2024, helping them to cut their emissions footprint.
“The E-QCB, which has a unique swap-body system allowing it to be used all-year round as a gritter, tipper and caged body vehicle, has already made quite an impact and is a major game-changer when it comes to the environmental impact of fleet operations up and down the UK. We hope 2024 will see us build on that initial success.”
Peter Lacey – joint managing director, Whole Systems Partnership; executive team member, Knaresborough & District Chamber
“During 2023, Knaresborough & District Chamber, along with other groups in the town, planted the seeds for what I hope will be a year in which we begin to realise the full potential of our fantastic town.
“Securing funds from North Yorkshire Council to explore exciting new ventures will enable us to find our voice for the benefit of businesses and the wider wellbeing of residents and visitors alike.
“The Whole Systems Partnership is in the business of helping the health and care systems across the country to deliver the best possible services for their local populations. For example, early in 2024 we’re looking forward to spreading our wings across the Pennines to help Lancashire County Council work more closely with the different NHS organisations in their area.
“The great thing about being in Knaresborough, however, if that the lessons we learn elsewhere can also be applied in our town, something we’ve supported through Covid and in our support to Knaresborough Connectors in their work to make the town an even better place to live, visit or work in.”
Read more:
- First day of Christmas fayre was Harrogate’s busiest for six months
- New bridal boutique to open in Ripon
Stray Ferret vouchers: fun for all the family come wind, rain, or shine
Although it may not have felt like summer over the last few weeks, the Stray Ferret’s voucher page is here to ensure endless fun for all the family during the holidays.
From pizza and castles to the St Leger and virtual reality, we’re offering our readers unmissable discounts to keep your children and your bank balance happy!
So whether you’re seeking culture, excitement, furry friends or just some full tummies, be sure to check out our vouchers to make your summer shine.
The Park Playground: 50% off 60-minute group VR experience for 4!
Fancy transporting to a different reality? Well, at The Park Playground, Leeds, you can do just that!
The hottest new virtual reality experience in Yorkshire is giving Stray Ferret readers 50% off a 60-minute group VR experience for 4 – that’s half the price for double the fun.
Discover a thrilling adventure with your friends and family in a unique, free-roam environment and enter a world of breathtaking virtual reality.
Work together or battle against each other in an ultra-real virtual world, like hunting zombies in The Hallow, or solving puzzles in ancient Egypt in The Mask of The Pharaoh.
Thrill seekers can face their fears in Don’t Scream, or even take part in your very own TV game show in The Snitch.
Click here to buy your voucher and go on an incredible journey beyond your imagination at Park Playground.
Major Tom’s Social: 2 pizzas for just £12!
Calling all pizza lovers! Major Tom’s Social is offering Stray Ferret readers 2 Margherita pizzas for just £12 – one pizza is usually at least £10, so don’t miss out on this tasty deal.
Known for its delicious stone baked pizzas, made in house using flour and tomatoes imported from Italy, Major Tom’s Social is the place to go if you’re looking for great quality food and drinks.
So, gather your friends and head down to Major Tom’s after work to enjoy a full-size pizza for a fraction of the price!
Click here to claim your voucher.
Ripley Castle Guided Tour – Two adult admission tickets for the price of one!
If you’re looking for some fresh air and culture this summer, Ripley Castle is offering two adult tickets for the price of one with this exclusive deal.
That’s right…a family of 2 adults and children under 12 can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, as well as admission into the gardens and grounds for just £15!
Ripley Castle has been home to the Ingilby family for over 700 years — the tour will share fascinating stories about the history the family, as well as the castle itself.
Immerse yourself in the grounds and walled garden that surrounds the estate with floral and shrub borders, a kitchen garden with a range of vegetables, a herb garden and a fruit orchard. A true garden-lovers dream.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive deal – buy your voucher here.
DogFest – 2 for 1 tickets!
Struggling to find somewhere to have fun with your four-legged friend? Then look no further as we’re bringing you 2-for-1 tickets to DogFest!
You and your hound can enjoy a day of non-stop fun at the nation’s favourite dog-friendly festival!
Expect a day of agility courses, hay bale racing, doggy diving and even a giant ball pit for your dog to enjoy.
Owners will be invited to attend ‘Breed Meet Ups’, where families with the same breed are encouraged to swap stories, share notes, and take photos.
Visitors can also take part in the Big Dog Walk’s 2km or 4km walk around the grounds of the estate.
Enjoy all that andmore for just £20 – grab your discounted voucher here.
Harewood House – Half price Family Ticket!
Prepare to explore 100 acres of gardens and grounds this summer with half price family tickets to Harewood House!
Fancy a bit of adventure? Get lost in the winding paths of the Himalayan Gardens or stroll around the lake to discover the famous Walled Garden.
The site also offers a Woodland Wonderland play area and adventure playground for your little ones to burn off some steam, as well as a variety of walks to enjoy the natural beauty on display.
Get your half price voucher here.
Doncaster Racecourse: 37% off Betfred St Leger Legends Day – Grandstand tickets
The Stray Ferret is bringing you discounted tickets to one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Britain – the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster Racecourse!
Featuring the Leger Legends Charity Race, the Legends Day will showcase an array of ex-professional jockeys to celebrate the final day of the historic four-day racing festival.
Whether you’re looking for some family fun or just a good knees-up with some friends, the Grandstand tickets will grant you access to public bars, eateries, and betting outlets along with views of the racing action including the parade ring and pre-parade ring.
Children can expect a kid’s disco, meet & greets with Doncaster Knights players, an air ambulance simulator, stilt walkers and more!
The race will take place on Sunday, September 17 — U18’s go free!
Find our special offer here.
Click or tap here to see our vouchers page.
Harrogate businesses offering unmissable discounts to attract punters during Great Yorkshire Show
This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID
A range of Harrogate businesses will be offering residents and visitors various discounts and promotions during the Great Yorkshire Show next week.
The deals come in collaboration with Harrogate BID to attract shoppers to the town centre during the famous agricultural show.
Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:
“The town centre is quiet during the event, with most people either enjoying the show or avoiding the traffic at home – meaning the town’s economy can take a short-term knock as a result.”
This year, however, Harrogate BID is determined to draw people back to the town and fill the shops, restaurants and attractions with punters.
Harrogate BID aims to maximise the town as a destination and ensure local businesses are thriving, while encouraging people to spend time and invest in the town centre. It aims to “make Harrogate safe, clean and welcoming, and the number one town centre for shopping, eating, and drinking”.
The offers are available to holders of Great Yorkshire Show tickets, as well as those who will not be attending the show this year. From discounted food and drink, to free cinema snacks and cheaper overnight stays, Harrogate BID has ensured there is a deal for everyone.
People can enjoy three for £16 tapas all day, every day at Revolucion De Cuba, a free glass of prosecco and kids eat free offer at Giggling Squid, or even 15% off an overnight stay with Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments.
Ticket holders, who may fancy a trip into town after a day of fun at the show, can take advantage of 20% off food at The Alexandra Hotel, 10% off food at Major Tom’s Social, and 20% off drinks at both Cedar Court Hotel and The Den to keep the party going.
Since its birth in 2019, Harrogate BID has locked in over £100,000 into participating businesses through sales of the Harrogate gift card, and hopes next week’s offers will see that figure rise further.
Find out more about Harrogate BID and the range of deals available during the Great Yorkshire Show here.
Find out more:
To find out more about Harrogate BID and all the services provided to the town centre, visit https://harrogatebid.co.uk/
Major Tom’s Social in Harrogate named local CAMRA Pub of the YearA Harrogate craft beer bar has been named Pub of the Year not for its real ale — but for its real cider.
Major Tom’s Social in The Ginnel was awarded the title by the local branch of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) due to the quality of the cider it serves.
CAMRA said in a press release that although cider, made from apples, and perry, made from pears, are usually associated with south-west England there are a number of excellent Yorkshire producers, for example in Masham, Thornborough, and Husthwaite.
Lauren Wray, assistant general manager at Major Tom’s Social, said:
“We’re really pleased to receive this award. It’s quite an honour, and it’s a nice asset to the bar.
“We’ve only started focusing more on cider over the last year or two, but it sells really well. We’re obviously best known for our beer, so it was quite a surprise to get an award for our cider.”
According to CAMRA’s definition, real cider is fermented from the whole juice of fresh pressed apples – or pears in the case of perry.
It precludes the common practice of using concentrate or diluted juices to boost strength through the addition of sugar to an unnatural level for storage, before then diluting it with water to the desired alcohol content for sale.
Alan Gould, chairman of the Harrogate and Ripon branch of CAMRA, said:
“CAMRA campaigns for a high quality of materials and production methods, whether that’s in beer, cider or perry.
“Major Tom’s sell real cider, and that’s really not very common. They keep it in the right condition and get it from the right sources – small scale, artisanal producers who make craft cider well.”
Read more:
- Harrogate pub wins CAMRA award after one year of opening
- ‘Intimate gem’ Knaresborough pub wins rare award for beer quality
- Beer festival season starts with three-day Henshaws event
Harrogate vegans on Veganuary, restaurants and why they chose plant-based diets
Whether you are a fan or not, veganism is definitely having its moment.
A record number of people are expected to try to eat only plant-based foods this month as growing concern about the climate crisis heightens interest in the Veganuary movement.
More than half a million people signed up to take part in last year’s Veganuary, about a quarter of whom – 125,000 – were based in the UK. However, the campaign’s research suggests that potentially 10 times as many people participate and a significant number continue with plant-based diets beyond the end of the month.
Vegan options are certainly appearing on more and more menus across the district – with some offering a wide range of options and even separate menus.
However, there is currently only one dedicated vegan café in Harrogate – Nourish Plant Kitchen – and the launch of the town’s first vegan restaurant, Vertigo, has been delayed.
Nourish
Nourish, on Mayfield Grove, opened in August after owner, Hannah Postlethwaite, took over what was formerly the Option Ve cafe.
Aimed at meeting the demands of the town’s growing vegan population, the café serves homemade food, juices, smoothies and raw cakes that are exclusively vegan, as well as refined-sugar free.
Nourish Plant Kitchen, on Mayfield Grove.
Rebz Jack, a baker at the dog-friendly café, has been a vegan for more than five years, a decision she initially made after questioning why, as an animal lover, she was eating animals.
She said:
“At first it was animals. Then it was the health benefits of not eating meat and dairy. It ended up making sense and over the course of two weeks I just dropped it.
“The owner Hannah, who has been a vegan for three or four years, was a vegetarian for a while and then something just clicked.
“I have mostly felt the benefits from a health perspective. When you first go plant-based you can tell by how much weight drops off you. Movement is easier and my knees weren’t as seized up.”
More options
Rebz said it was easier than ever to be a vegan now, as there were so many food and drink options available, with even McDonald’s offering a plant-based burger, the McPlant, which she has tried – and enjoyed!
However, she prefers to cook and eat fresh food, rather than use alternatives, like soy for example, and this is very much the ethos of Nourish.
Bang bang salad and sweetcorn cakes at Nourish.
The chef, whose favourite dish on the menu is mushrooms, thyme cashew cream and truffle oil on toast, said:
“We make sure we offer a nice tasty vegan menu and make everything fresh ourselves. It’s all homemade and healthy and it’s all food that will benefit you.
“You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. I think it’s good to see it as nice food rather than just vegan food. There is no pressure to be vegan, if you want to get on board great, if not, then that’s alright too.”
And when it comes Veganuary, she’s a fan of anything that might encourage people to give veganism a go.
She added:
“There will always be some that just do it for the hype, but it’s a great thing for awareness more than anything.”
Read more:
- Four wellness retreats in the Harrogate district to re-energise mind, body and soul
- Harrogate vegan café opening delayed due to covid
The year of the vegan
Sarah Dickinson is a blogger from Harrogate, known as Sunshine Sarah, and regularly writes about veganism.
She said:
“I have been vegan for three years now and I basically used Veganuary, not once, but twice, to make the switch. 2019 was in my opinion the year of the vegan, it all started with the Greggs sausage roll and hasn’t stopped since.
“A lot of companies, brands, supermarkets and restaurants who brought something out for Veganuary 2019 have continued to expand their range and even make some of their bestsellers permanent because of the rise of consumer interest in these more plant-based options. Even people who have no interest in going vegan are eating or trying these new options, such is their popularity.
“Each January now it seems there’s a war between who can offer the best options to cash in on the vegan market. In my opinion this is great because it means there’s even more choice available, whereas previously options were limited everywhere you went.”
Harrogate vegan blogger Sarah Dickinson.
Sarah said vegan options in Harrogate were getting better, however there was always room for improvement.
Tasty
She listed Hustle & Co, Farmhouse and Nourish as her favourites for offering “tasty plant-based vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options”.
She said:
“There are always new options on their menus and the food is so tasty.
“Pizza Express also have good offerings, but is severely lacking in the dessert department. I would say it’s getting better in Harrogate but it could be amazing given the sheer number of restaurants and places to eat here.”
Vegan Instagrammer Chloe Wright, from Harrogate, whose account @HelloVeganChlo has more than 8,000 followers, said:
“I’ve been meat-free since I was four-years-old and vegan for about four years.
“I think Veganuary is a fantastic campaign and it’s a great way to ease people into a plant-based diet, or to show them that vegan food is delicious.
“I think the vegan offering in Harrogate has vastly improved in recent years, my favourites are Cardamom Black, Gron, Wagamama, Nourish Plant Kitchen, Betty’s, Paradise Tap & Taco, Rudding Park and The Pine Marten.”
A vegan burrito at Paradise Tap & Taco, Harrogate.
Creative push
Jo Hewson, from Harrogate, said Veganuary gives a push to restaurants, supermarkets and food and drink establishments to think creatively about vegan options, leading to more permanent options for vegans as a result.
She said:
“I look forward to it so much, because I know there will be new options for me to try each year.
“I love Nourish Plant Kitchen as our resident vegan cafe, Hustle & Co have some delicious options, Farmhouse is great for variety. Recently I’ve been to Cote Brasserie and they have really shaken up their menu and have some of the best vegan food I’ve ever had.
“When I first became vegan, my options for eating out were limited to chain restaurants like Zizzi or Pizza Express – with one really dull vegan item on the menu.
“But now I am so happy that independent restaurants and cafes are not only catering for us, but being really inventive, trying to offer more than one option, and coming up with really unique and interesting food.”
A marinated smoky soy-infused broccoli and homemade satay sauce goodness grains bowl at Hustle & Co.
Great vegan options
Jasmine Feingold, also from Harrogate, said she believed the town had some great vegan options, listing Farmhouse and Hustle & Co as her go-to places as she could also take her non-vegan friends.
She said:
“Also, it’s just so nice to be able to support local businesses that offer vegan such as Major Tom’s Social, which does such great vegan pizza, great coffee and of course great beer.”
Massive improvements
Rachel Knight, who grew up in Knaresborough but now lives in Harrogate, has been a vegan for four years and said the restaurants’ vegan options had massively improved in that time – particularly in the last two years.
She said:
“If I go out for tea in Knaresborough, I go to the Two Brothers Grill and Pizzeria or So! Bar. Two Brothers change everything to suit you and are really helpful about it.
“There aren’t really any places that are exclusively vegan, but most are happy to adapt recipes. It would be good if there were more places that offered a vegan-specific menu, rather than there being just one vegetarian option you can change to vegan.
“I think Veganuary is good as it gives people the opportunity to try it, without committing to going fully vegan. I was only going to try it for a month – I did it in February, rather than January – but I carried on.
“I have felt much better health-wise. If you eat a big vegan meal compared to a meat one you feel much less sluggish. I would definitely recommend it.”
The former Natwest bank in Knaresborough could be turned into a bar and restaurant.
Under licensing plans submitted to Harrogate Borough Council, the Claro Chambers building on the town’s High Street would be converted into a “casual eating and drinking destination”.
Harrogate’s Major Tom’s Social and Knaresborough-based Turning Point Brewing Co have submitted the application as part of a collaboration between the two businesses.
The building has been vacant since NatWest bank moved out in October 2017.
In a statement, Major Tom’s and Turning Point said the project was in its early stages.
Read more:
They added that they had been working together for five years and took the opportunity to create the bar when the building became available.
Major Tom’s and Turning Point said:
“This project is currently in the early stages; we do not yet have a premises license for the venue, so we wanted to wait until we had that and the keys before officially announcing anything.
“We (Major Tom’s Social and Turning Point Brew Co.) are looking to collaborate on a bar in Knaresborough town centre.
“Our aim is to create a casual eating and drinking destination in the Claro Chambers bank building on High Street, bringing the best of each business to the table.
“We have an established relationship of working together for almost five years, and when the opportunity to create a unique venue in Knaresborough presented itself, we couldn’t wait to get to started.
“We fell in love with the building at first sight and saw its potential to be restored into a thriving and well utilised space, and a great addition to the town for locals and tourists alike.”
The borough council granted planning permission to change the use of the building from a bank to a bar and restaurant in August last year.
If approved by the council’s licensing committee next week, the proposal would see the bar open from midday until 12.30am.
The application also seeks permission for recorded music and films.