Knaresborough restaurant Carriages set to close

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Veteran restauranteurs David and Jo Straker had hoped to transform the failing High Street venue but revealed that they have struggled with high rents and low footfall.

David said bad weather and a “washout” Knaresborough Bed Race had added to their problems.

He said: “All of these factors have affected many local businesses and we know how tough it is for anyone to survive on the High Street at the moment.

“We are devastated to be pulling out of Knaresborough and saying goodbye to our dream of creating a foodie destination in the town built on great food and excellent service.

“Sadly, we had underestimated the challenges facing us and the day to day input that was needed from us as owner managers to keep things on course.”

The couple said the decision would allow them to devote all their time and energy to their long-established Harrogate restaurant, William and Victoria, which has been run by the Straker family for over 35 years.

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They confirmed that William and Victoria is a separate and thriving business and is unaffected by the decision.

“We had hoped to replicate the successful formula we have developed in Harrogate but we have realised it just isn’t possible to achieve the same standards from a distance without compromising on quality and service,” explained David.

“We are closing the doors with a very heavy heart and our focus now is on making sure that we look after all the fantastic local suppliers who have supported us in the venture, most of whom we have worked with for many years and will continue to do so.”

The Carriages name comes from its location in a listed building above a Victorian train tunnel on the Harrogate to York train line. Despite attempts to find a buyer over the past few months, the restaurant was forced to close on Tuesday. Anyone who has gift vouchers for Carriages can use them at William and Victoria.

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David added: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in Knaresborough and we hope that someone will eventually be able to pick up where we left off and re-open it.”