A well-liked independent Harrogate cafe has been ‘bigged up’ in Parliament by the town’s MP as part of his campaign to slash VAT in the hospitality sector.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, raised local concerns with the new First Secretary of State following his recent roundtable meeting with Harrogate hospitality businesses.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Gordon praised Harrogate’s “lovely hospitality businesses” and name-checked Westmoreland Coffee House and the Fat Badger as just two of many examples.

Westmoreland Coffee House has become known as “Harrogate's 'friendliest coffee house” under owner Leda, with curtained booths and a continental atmosphere at its home on Westmoreland Street.

Westmoreland Coffee House in Harrogate has become known as “Harrogate's 'friendliest coffee house” under owner Leda, with curtained booths and a continental atmosphere.(Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Westmoreland Coffee House in Harrogate has become known as “Harrogate's 'friendliest coffee house” under owner Leda, with curtained booths and a continental atmosphere.(Picture contributed)

The Fat Badger has proven a huge hit since it opened in 2010 as a traditional English pub and restaurant within the White Hart Hotel on Cold Bath Road.

Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP questioned Minister Louise Haigh on Andy Burnham Government’s aspiration to remove barriers to local businesses and promote “pro-business culture”.

Mr Gordon referenced the problem of high VAT rates raised by the owners of Harrogate cafes, bars, hotel and pubs whom he talked to at the roundtable held in the town’s North Bar.

“We need a VAT cut. An emergency 5% VAT cut on hospitality, accommodation and attractions is a key part of the Lib Dem plan to save our high streets,” said Tom Gordon.

Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, with local hospitality businesses at a roundtable meeting he called recently at North Bar in Harrogate. (Picture contributed)

“It would boost local pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues while saving people money on the occasional extra.”

The Minister responded that reducing burdens and taxes for hospitality businesses was a priority but did not address Mr Gordon’s specific request on VAT.

Harrogate’s MP is a supporter of celebrity chef Tom Kerridge’s VAT’s The Problem campaign which is calling for VAT to be cut from 20% to 10% for hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses.

"We’re seeing an unacceptable rise in job losses and business difficulties, following decades of neglect and mismanagement by consecutive governments,” said Mr Gordon.

The MP has also launched a survey asking local businesses about their pressures and what changes they would like to see.

To take part, visit: https://digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/aIJar3Np