Harrogate independent cafe's coup with global cycling brand

Harrogate independent Starling has been appointed as an official partner caf to top-of-the-range cycling clothing label Rapha.

It makes the bar-cafe one of only six in the UK to receive this accolade.

The Oxford Street establishment will join be entitled to host a range of cycling events including the Rapha Cycling Club ride-outs which take place once a quarter.

The partnership with Rapha is yet more recognition for Starling.

Two years ago, it won Harrogate and Ripon CAMRA pub of the year, newcomer of the year in the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards and summer pub of the year award from the West Riding Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood.

Owner Simon Midgley believes the appointment comes as well-deserved recognition for the success of the partnership, which lasted throughout the nine days of UCI world cycling events.

Starling provided display space for Rapha’s clothing and accessories as well as food and drinks for events and parties.

Starling also performed a similar role for cycle maker Canyon.

Simon says: “I felt the arrival in town of the world cycling championship was an opportunity not to be missed especially as we put ourselves at the heart of the community and see ourselves as very much a Harrogate independent.

“The team and myself worked very hard before, during and after the event and Rapha’s decision to make us an official partner café is a hugely pleasing reward. I’m all too aware that the championship didn’t work for everybody but we knew that at Starling we should seize the moment.”

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Simon opened Starling in March 2017 with 20 years in the food and drinks industry already behind him including 12 years with Knaresborough-based Market Town Taverns.

Starling offers 10 craft keg taps and six cask hand pulls along with 30 gins and more than 20 whiskies as well as ciders and wine. For teas and coffees, Starling works with the Brew Tea Company in Manchester and the Dark Woods Roastery in Marsden near Huddersfield.

The signature food offering is Neapolitan-style pizza made from scratch using Italian flour and an Italian tomato variety for the sauce.

An extensive brunch menu featuring a Full English or the healthy option is available every day.

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