New setback for Harrogate's nightlife as second restaurant announces its closure
Harrogate has suffered the second blow to its restaurant scene in as many days.
Following the sad news that Catch restaurant, formerly Graveley's fish and chip shop, has ceased trading, the latest setback for the town’s night-time economy is the demise of 63rd+1st’s Harrogate venue.
The brand’s general manager Eva Souza told the Harrogate Advertiser today it was to cease trading in Harrogate.
Despite its popularity, it seems low footfall meant the venue had become “economically unviable”.
Located on Albert Street, it was less than a year ago in November 2021 that this newcomer to the town first opened.
News of its closure followed the shock news that Harrogate institution, Catch – formerly Graveley’s – had also shut up shop.
The popular Harrogate fish and chip restaurant Catch has been forced to close its doors amid reports that its parent company has gone into administration.
Staff at the Harrogate restaurant confirmed last Thursday how had been asked to clear up the building on Cheltenham Parade, close the doors and not turn up for work again.
Catch operates five restaurants across the Leeds and West Yorkshire area and it is understood that those in Halifax, Headingley, Holmfirth and Moortown have also closed.
The Catch restaurant in Harrogate has closed down after undergoing a £250,000 refurbishment in 2021.
Assistant manager of Catch Seafood in Harrogate, Sarah Knox, who joined the Catch 'family' of Yorkshire restaurants in 2020, said the staff were "shocked" by the news.
"The people in charge said the restaurant had stopped trading,” she said. "We are all shocked and gutted. We've spent today cleaning everything down and answering phone calls from customers.
"We won't be open tomorrow."
The old Graveley's restaurant and takeaway was an institution within the Harrogate restaurant community. The news will come as a shock to the town as the one-time family-run Graveley's was very much seen as a local institution in fish and chips.
The new owners brought a modern but respectful twist on the classical fish and chip restaurant and seafood dining experience with stylish fittings, lighter and healthier menu options, a broader selection of drinks and relaxed but professional service. Despite the substantial investment, Catch Seafood in Harrogate has been unable to survive.
The 63rd+1st concept was part of TGI Fridays UK and was named after the street that the iconic brand hails from.
Spanning 314 square meters and seating 101, 63rd+1st represented a sizable investment in Harrogate's food and drink sector.
Inspired by the street food scene in Manhattan, the stylish bar-restaurant celebrated the principles of iconic classic cocktails, quality eclectic food and great atmosphere.
But the challenging times appear to be hitting Harrogate with a vengeance.
A spokesperson for 63rd+1st said: “We have made the difficult decision to close our Harrogate location on November 13.
“Whilst it has been popular with guests, the current economic climate has impacted trading, as it has done across the wider hospitality industry.
“We would like to sincerely thank our team for their hard work, and loyal guests for their support.”
The first 63rd+1st opened in Surrey in May 2021 with a second in Glasgow in September 2021.