Sneak Peek: New cocktail bar with a ‘cool vibe’ opens in Harrogate

A new cocktail bar that opens tomorrow on Parliament Street promises to bring something different to Harrogate nightlife.

Anyone familiar with Leeds nightlife may have heard of Roland’s and Domino Club; both are popular drinking spots that have grown a cult following.

The owners are promising to bring the same “chilled out, relaxed vibe” and premium drinks menu to their new venue in Harrogate, which is also called Roland’s.

The new bar has taken over the three-storey unit on the corner of Parliament Street, at the top of The Ginnel. The Ginnel is home to several much-loved bars including Montey’s, Major Tom’s Social and Foundry Project and Roland’s is hoping to capitalise on this.

The bar is kitted out with brown leather booths and seating for up to 60 people. It’s industrial finish with sanded wood and a huge iron chandelier gives it a trendy and cool feel.

Simon Vickery, general manager at Roland’s in Harrogate, said:

“The plan is to take Roland’s Leeds and mix in some aspects of Domino as well and bring it here. In Harrogate, there are a lot of chains which are all kind of similar and I think Roland’s will become a bit of a hub for people working in the hospitality industry.

“I know I’m biased, but I think it’s what a lot of people have been looking for without even realising. We’re hoping the quality of our product and the atmosphere we will create will mean people will spend their whole evening with us.”

Mr Vickery said people can expect a premium cocktail menu, an array of spirits and draft beer.

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Roland’s also has its own gin distillery, called Wolfe Bros. Gins will be stocked behind the bar alongside beers from Harrogate-based Cold Bath Brewery.

Roland’s originated in Leeds in 2014 and if the initial launch is a success it plans to extend into the upstairs, which will offer more seating and a potential events and live music space.

Mr Vickery said:

“Roland’s is very much an independent and we’re excited to be surrounded by so many others. Roland’s has been wanting to come to Harrogate for while but we just needed to find the right spot, and when this became available it was too good to let it go.”

Mr Vickery added there were still jobs available for full-time and part-time staff.

New cocktail bar to open on Harrogate’s Parliament Street in two weeks

A new cocktail bar promising a “sanctuary away from the madness” of Harrogate’s Parliament Street will open on March 18.

Roland’s Bar is situated in the former Moss Bros unit in the heart of the town’s nightlife.

It will be the second Roland’s Bar, following on from the flagship venue in Leeds.

Amanda Keegan, events and marketing manager at Roland’s, said besides cocktails, the venue would serve “the best Guinness in Harrogate” as well as a wide selection of beers, including some from the town’s Cold Bath Brewery Co.

Roland's Bar Leeds. Pic: Roland's Bar

Roland’s Bar Leeds. Pic: Roland’s Bar

Asked what would differentiate it from the many other bars in the area, she said:

“The warm welcome, the high quality of drinks and the easy, relaxed atmosphere. It will be a sanctuary away from the madness.”

Ms Keegan said the family-owned business would decide the opening times next week. She added:

“We hope to bring the same energy, warmth and experience to our beautiful new home on Parliament Street.”

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