Inside Johnny’s Bar and Parlour: Harrogate’s speakeasy-inspired dining’s family tradition – book for Christmas

Johnny's Bar and Parlour on Montpellier Parade is fast becoming renowned for speakeasy-inspired dining and wonderful attention to detail, from the décor to the plate.

Jemima Harrison is the founder and head chef. She has worked in the hospitality industry for more than a decade and always wanted to own her own restaurant to showcase her passion for the culinary arts.

Who is Johnny?

The concept and vision of Johnny’s was curated by Jemima, ‘Jem’, and inspired by a family story which brought about the name ‘Johnny’

The inspiration of Johnny’s Bar and Parlour was founded on the relationship and story between Jemima and her grandfather.

James Dean struggled to remember people's names and so did Grandad Harrison, whom much like Dean referred to everyone as ‘Johnny’ when he could not remember their name. ‘Johnny’ became that prominent and catchy that it became the nickname for every person, regardless of whether he remembered their name or not, even Jemima would be most commonly referred to as ‘Johnny’ by her grandad, and vice versa.

This is something which has remained in the family to this day and has even been adopted by close friends and family.

Jemima and her grandad shared a love for cooking, with many heated debates in the kitchen about who was right about the seasoning or ingredients of a particular dish. And at the end of every lengthy debate both would sit down at the family table to share a good bottle of vino and an exchange of compliments about the food.

Johnny’s Bar and Parlour’s main logo, being a toad, was also inspired by the relationship between Jemima and her grandad. On one summer holiday, Grandad aka ‘Johnny’ was with Jemima and her friends. He referred to them laughingly as the 'Toadettes', and as quick as a flash Jemima responded with “well if we are Toadettes, you must be the toad of toad hall”. And so, another nickname was born. Sadly, Jemima’s grandad passed away a few years ago and is not present to witness her amazing venture. However, ‘Johnny’ still lives on and is worn by each and every person.

The beginning

From the beginning, Jemima started drafting notes and sketches of what ‘Johnny’s’ would be when it came to life. From the visual concepts, the textures, material and colour to all other senses.

Jemima wanted somewhere for people to “get dressed up” and feel worthy of such a special occasion and experience. Johnny’s is shut off from the outside world, with low lighting, velvet curtains and live music guests, can enjoy their dining experience through heightening all the senses and savour those nights that linger.

Johnny’s Bar

Johnny’s Bar offers a selection of dishes for guests to indulge In, from bar nibbles to small plates and larger dishes to share… or not. With an extensive drinks menu and a stage set for live music, guests can enjoy the full ‘Johnny’s experience’

The bar food menu curated by Jemima has been inspired by the many travels of the Harrison family, whom are also commonly known by close friends and family as ‘The Madhatters’. Each dish has taken elements and flavours from around the world, each with a story to tell.

The Parlour

Johnny’s initial concept also involved a fine-dining experience, consisting of a seven-course tasting menu which was to be situated in the dining room area of Johnny’s known as ‘The Parlour’. Due to an overwhelming positive response to Johnny’s bar and start up construction delays, the team have said that the parlour will still be opening in due course and will have its own menu, existing as a separate entity and experience from Johnny’s Bar.

Christmas and New Year

The team have curated a festive menu at £90pp. This includes a festive cocktail and nibbles on arrival, three course meal (choose a starter, main and dessert, and speciality coffee/tea with a mince pie.

Reservations are available to book now by emailing [email protected]. (It is pre-book only.)

On New Year’s Eve a grand ticketed event will be held called 'Johnny’s 1920s Jazz Feast'.

Jemima says: “Slip behind the velvet curtain and join us for a night of live music, decadent caviar, the King of the Sea and the Duke of the Land. Take a seat at the family table and indulge like a true Johnny. Raise a glass at our glittering champagne tower as the clock strikes 12.”