Leeds’ North Bar WILL come to Harrogate

By Graham Chalmers
The North Bar in Leeds.The North Bar in Leeds.
The North Bar in Leeds.

Harrogate’s independent craft beer revolution is set for another boost with the arrival of North Bar in town.

To be situated on Cheltenham Parade facing the back of Harrogate Theaatre across the road, one of the original pioneers of the Leeds bar boom has built a national reputation over the last decade or more.

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Christian Townsley, co-owner of North Bar, which operates a range of six bars in and around the city, confirmed it had been granted planning permission from Harrogate Borough Council, though there was still a few things to sort out before opening.

Rated one of the top 10 craft beer pubs in Yorkshire by both The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph, the plans for the vacant site include a new bar on the ground floor with an additional first floor customer area, primarily used for private hire but also providing additional customer seating.

North Bar has built a reputation for having a specialist knowledge in cask beers since it first opened in 1997 but the new bar also may be serving a range of spirits, soft drinks and pastries during the day.

No other food is proposed to be offered during the day but they have proposed to open earlier to serve their ‘bespoke blend of coffee beans’.

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John Gyngell, director of North Bar, says he has been trying to find the best site in Harrogate for five years and believes it will fit in well with the other independent cafes and restaurants in the town centre.

He said: “It is a lovely site, I am pleased we found it We have been waiting for the right place and the right time.

“It seems like the independent food and drink market has been growing in Harrogate, and with the new cinema complex coming next year the time is right.”

A prevous winner of the Observer Food Monthly’s ‘Best Place to Drink in Britain’ award, North Bar recently entered the craft brewery business through its new offshoot, North Brewing Co.

The two owners are yet to announce a launch date for the Harrogate North Bar which is the latest in a growing list of independents now making an impact on the town’s nightlife.