More Harrogate bars set to reopen in town as lockdown eases

Although 'Super Saturday' was judged a reasonably successful relaunch for Harrogate's food and drink sector at the weekend, not all bars unlocked the shutters as part of the Government's latest moves to ease Britain out of lockdown.

But this week has seen a flurry of activity in Harrogate's bars as they prepared to reopen in safety under the rigorous restrictions of Covid-19.

The latest to announce that it is about to welcome back customers is The Harrogate Tap.

Located as Harrogate railway station, the bar, which is renowned for its massive range of beers from around the UK and internationally, intends to reopen on Thursday, July 23.

Pre-booking tables is advised but the Harrogate Tap will allow walk-ins, too.

The bar we will be operating table service only.

Both cash and card payments will be accepted, though card is preferred.

Tomorrow, Friday at noon will see North Bar reopen on Cheltenham Parade.

Having operated as a pop-up North Brewing Co bottle shop for a few weeks, Sarah Hardy, marketing manager of this indie chain, said they would carry on doing things a little differently.

She said: “The response from the public in Harrogate has been brilliant so far so we will continue to operate as a bottle shop, but will offer outside seating.

“Seating will be managed by our team and be available on a first come, first served basis. We will be operating a safe socially distanced queue and the bar will close at 10pm.

“We will be offering table service only - no going to the bar - and have partnered with an app, Hopt, for any customers who would like to order and pay through this.”

Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen is reporting a steady start since it reopened on Oxford Street at the beginning of this week.

Owner Simon Midgely said: “I am feeling positive and it’s great to get back open and get happy people back through the door.

“Custom has been steady enough but it’s undoubtedly taking more cost and time to deliver our usual service.

“I don’t think we will get the same numbers as last year until we can get back to operating as normal.

“We’ve got tables spaced to 1m+ guidance and have got about 65% of normal maximum capacity. This will mainly hit us on weekends when we would normally be full most of the time.”

But ii's not just bars but also indie brewery's taprooms which are opening up again in Harrogate.

Harrogate Brewing Co has reopened its taproom at Hookstone Centreon Hookstone Chase, as has Roosters at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate.

Walk-ins seem to be permitted at the former but the latter with its larger capacity is requesting customers book in advance online, a service which by all reports is proving popular at this independent craft beer brewery.

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