Harrogate businesses battling to survive as coronavirus crisis begins to take hold on high street

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In true Harrogate style, businesses across town are using their initiative and coming up with new ways to continue serving customers as people are being advised to limit social contact and time spent in places like pubs and restaurants.

The Harrogate Tea Rooms in Westminster Arcade, which took just £13.50 one day last week after noticing a drop in footfall, is now offering takeaways and home deliveries.

Last week, owner Carrie Wilkinson tweeted that this figure was "not enough for two hours of wages, let alone costs.'

She said: “We changed our practices to include extra precautions to help allay concerns, including providing hand sanitisers and cleaning menus between customers.

"But the Arcade has currently almost no footfall. Figures from previous trading years show a marked downturn since the virus hit the UK. We would just like to reassure visitors and local customers that we are taking every precaution to make life as normal as possible and that particularly the small independents really need everyone’s support."

And this business is not the only one adapting its services to fall in line with the new Government advice and ensure indendents can continue trading in any way possible.

Popular Harrogate restaurant William and Victoria on Cold Bath Road is putting together of list of dishes which will be available as takeaways, as well as looking into a delivery service.

Italian restaurant Vivido on Cheltenham Crescent is offering a similar service, with a call-and-collect option as well as delivery available on Deliveroo.

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The restaurant says it is also looking into delivering pre-prepared meals which can be cooked at home.

Slingsby's cafe on Tower Street has said it will be operating reduced hours, closing at 3pm Monday-Saturday and 2pm on Sunday, but as it stands will be open as normal for Mother's Day. It has also said all items on its menu are vailable as a takeaway option.

As well as takeaway and delivery options now being offered by many restaurants in town, Stuzzi on Kings Road is asking customers to consider buying gift vouchers to use in future in a bid to keep business ticking over.

And it is not just eateries who are coming up with new ways to serve customers in the current situation - pubs and bars are doing the same.

The Disappearing Chin on Station Parade has alcohol to purchase to take away, and says it is working on a new delivery service, and Major Toms Social is offering a range of takeaway drinks and pizzas.