Supporting Harrogate indies: Focus on Cold Bath Deli and how it has become a 'bit like a 1940s corner shop'

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The Harrogate Advertiser will be making a point throughout the whole of November, and even into December and run-up to Christmas - of highlighting and supporting our local businesses and shops determined to battle their way through these hard times in an effort to inspire all of us to succeed.

Our #supportourindies campaign has already received the backing of leading Harrogate business groups, councillors, the town's MP and opposition politicians.

But readers, too, are responding to #supportourindies and hard-pressed businesses are noticing a difference.

One independent Harrogate trader who says he is grateful to the public - and the Advertiser - is Cold Bath Deli.

Located on a historic spot on Cold Bath Road occupied for many years by Leng’s Grocers, owner Peter Woolrich says it had been a dilemma originally whether to try to keep trading through all the upheavals of the pandemic - but community support had been "out of this world".

Peter said: “Faced with the stark decision of shutting the doors in March, we decided to take a chance and stay open.

“I modified our vegetable display trolley into a flat-topped serving counter on wheels, and positioned it across the open double doors.

“Listening to what the local community needed, as well as our regulars, made a big difference.

"If several people wanted large bags of pasta, or different cheeses, we found a supplier.

“Local suppliers, in particular, were incredibly helpful delivering at all hours to ensure we got what our customers needed.

"Older customers said they'd like ready meals to warm at home so we produced quite a large range. We delivered to those who couldn't make it in. Coffee, cake, wine and beer were also popular.

"We've continued to do pretty much the same for the second lockdown, but having again listened to locals we now do different soups and salads

“In the end, we have become a bit like a 1940s corner shop.”

Like many of our indies, Cold Bath Deli has risen to its many challenges by staying close to its customer base.

That in return has won the deli loyalty at a time when online competition has grown bigger than ever.

Peter said the deli’s future also relied on the dedication of its staff and he had something to say about the Harrogate Advertiser and its #supportourindies campaign.

Peter said: “As long as the community, whose support has been out of this world, continue to back us we will endeavour to keep giving them what they want no matter what challenges lie ahead.

“The Harrogate Advertiser and its campaign has helped us to keep on going through difficult times and we’re grateful for giving businesses like ours a voice.”

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