Harrogate hotel boss says town can 'salvage some of the Christmas trade that is desperately needed'

Harrogate MP on hopes town can move into Tier 1 'in two weeks' time'

Simon Cotton, managing director of the HRH Group which owns The Yorkshire Hotel, White Hart and the Fat Badger bar in Harrogate, said businesses had gone to a great deal of trouble and expense to ensure customers’ safety and were now being hit hardest by the latest changes of Government policy.

But, he added, now was the time to focus on reducing the virus and doing the right things to ensure Harrogate moved into Tier 1 quickly to make it a good Christmas for traders and hotels.

Mr Cotton said: "If we keep our focus on keeping the infection numbers falling, keep praying these vaccines will start to be rolled out sooner rather than later and keep hope that the review of the December 16 allows us to move to Tier 1, then we could still salvage some of the Christmas trade that Harrogate businesses so desperately need."

He continued: "I have mixed emotions about the decision but it is only what I expected.

"I’m sure like most people, being told Harrogate and most of North Yorkshire will be moving to Tier 2 next Wednesday at the end of lockdown, has come as no surprise.

"I think we were as equally fearful of Tier 3 as we were hopeful of Tier 1 so I guess we have to trust those decision makers, or at least accept and respect the decision as it is and concentrate on keeping the falling numbers as the main focus as we come out of lockdown next week.

Mr Cotton concluded: "As always, they’ll be those businesses that fair better than others.

"Hospitality businesses that serve a substantial meal can now reopen, but the pubs who are normally for drinks only won’t be able to.

"This in itself is already confusing some people as I’ve had a question posed to be through Twitter asking if people can come in for soft drinks only; something that whilst maybe possible, we’re saying no to in our venues just to save any upset or push any boundaries unnecessarily.

"But for businesses overall, whether you can open or not, there are no real winners, as those that do open will see lower footfall due to the rules of one household or shared bubbles.

"This will then be compounded by higher overheads with the need for more staff to serve and clean to meet guidelines, never mind the cost of PPE, so I understand when I hear some industry colleagues saying it’s not worth opening at all."

As part of a festive push at The Fat Badger and to offer a fun dining experience, the outside area of the bar on Cold Bath Road in Harrogate has recently added a striking new feature - some large 'igloos'.

Mr Cotton said: "We are hoping they will help people to get in the festive mood with the family.

"The Fat Badger Igloos have been an overnight success, selling out on many dates in December already, they can be enjoyed for dining and drinks for up to 6 people (within current guidelines).

"They feature Christmas lighting, sheepskin throws, blankets, table decorations and an electric fire so they’re snuggly and warm and lots of fun."

Harrogate Lib Dems slam Tier 2 decision and warn town's hospitality sector will be 'decimated'

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