Harrogate hotel boss fears 'devastating blow' of a new lockdown

Andy Barnsdale, DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa general manager, said closing at the busiest period of the year would have a major impact on the whole industry

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Andy Barnsdale, DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa general manager, said closing at the busiest period of the year would have a major impact on the whole industry and already meant of his staff back would have to be pushed back into furlough.

Mr Barnsdale said: "Going into a second lockdown is a devasting blow for the hospitality industry, particularly as we are entering our busiest period.

“From August onwards we brought all our staff back from furlough, but now the majority will have to go back in it.

"We are now looking at the options open to us in providing rooms for key workers and those who need to work away from home.”

The hotel's Majestic Winter Wonderland Teepee had opened at the end of last week offering a new outdoor family-friendly dining experience under canvas and serving traditional ‘Christmas Market’ style food and drinks.

The teepee had been a big hit, Mr Barnsdale added, in the three days it has been open.

He said: “We only opened our Majestic Winter Teepee this weekend and now have to close it again.

“In the three days that it was open it was a great success.

"The majority of those visited were Harrogate residents.

"It offered a bit of winter cheer in these difficult times and the atmosphere was great."

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