Harrogate is seeing a growth in independent bars that offer a more relaxed atmosphere for locals and visitors. Hoxton North and Major Tom's Social are two new bars that have opened in the last 18 months, focusing on specialty coffee, wine, beer and events. The Pit is another recent opening that sources locally and provides ping pong, appealing to a wide range of customers. These bars are helping to build a stronger nightlife community in the area.

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Harrogate for conferences and events.
So what makes Hoxton North different?
Timothy Bosworth, who set up the business
with wife Victoria just over 18 months ago
after living in London for 12 years, believes
it is the ethos and
attitude of the
business which
attracts customers.
“Around 2007, there
was a movement
for specialist coffee
where the difference
was that speciality
coffee shops in
London were
showing respect for
the providence of
the beans,”he said.
“As well as a
change of lifestyle
for us in moving
to Harrogate
and starting the
business, we wanted
an opportunity
that could be beneficial to a town with
predominantly traditional hospitality-based
businesses.”
Turning from coffee shop by day into
sophisticated Champagne and wine bar by
night, Hoxton North is designed to attract
former Londoners who miss the style and
passion of businesses in the capital.
“We wanted to bring a point of difference
from the London style,”said Timothy.“There
are lots of people who live in London for a
few years, then
move to Harrogate
when they are
ready to settle
down or start
a family. It has
become a beacon
for those wanting
to have their
London fix.”
Walk up Parliament
Street and turn
down The Ginnel
on the right, and
you’ll find another
hidden gem. On
the first floor of
vintage shop Space
sits Major Tom’s
Social, a relaxed,
welcoming bar
which was opened in early 2014 by two
young men with a passion for beer.
Lee Bellwood, who set up the business with
former school friend Toby Smith, said:“It’s
going really well.
“We have got lots of events happening here,
J
ust a few years ago, a night out in
Harrogate would have meant dressing up
and heading for a selection of chain bars
with little individuality.
Now, a new breed of bars and pubs with
personality is springing up – and the patrons
of Harrogate could not be more thrilled
about it.
Whether you want a chilled-out Champagne
bar or a craft beer specialist with cosy
corners, you will find it on the streets of
Harrogate – and you’ll more than likely be
able to have a chat with the business owner
at the bar, too. In just the last 18 months,
several of these new-style independent bars
have sprung up around town, and one of the
areas proving most popular is Parliament
Street and its surroundings.
At the bottom of the hill, just opposite
Harrogate International Centre, sits Hoxton
North. Almost hidden behind a narrow
doorway under an elegant black canopy, it is
a public secret that is steadily gaining a loyal
following – and not just among those visiting
“Whether you
want a chilled-
out Champagne
bar or a craft beer
specialist with cosy
corners, you will
find it on the streets
of Harrogate.”
Staff at Hoxton North
help to create a relaxed,
welcoming atmosphere.
Harrogate is becoming home to a
growing number of independent
bars offering a more relaxed
drinking experience for locals and
visitors alike. We caught up with a
few of them to find out more...
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Homage 2 Fromage is
proving to be a big draw
every month at Major
Tom’s Social.
like a film club, a craft club, a cheese club
once a month called Homage 2 Fromage –
and we had Horace Panter from The Specials
here doing a talk recently, when his artwork
was being exhibited at RedHouse Originals.
“Having so many different kinds of events
brings a different set of people in. The crowd
at a band night is different to the craft night
and the quizzes.”
For Lee and Toby, the location has also been
a gift for their business. They were invited to
set up by Space owner Steve Elvidge, who
was moving into the premises – and after
they decided to go ahead, good news kept
flooding in.
“While we were trying to get our licence,
which took nearly a year, we found out about
Jamie’s Italian and The Pit opening, which
was great. They both help to bring more
people to this area,”said Lee.
““There’s a great little community building up
around here. The Ginnel is becoming more of
a destination now.”
The Pit, almost directly opposite Major Tom’s
Social, was established by Arc Inspirations
in late June 2014. It is part of a small chain
with existing premises in Leeds and York –
but this does not mean it compromises on
individuality.
From sourcing local ingredients for its menu
to offering ping pong tables for a friendly
game over a few drinks, The Pit has made
its mark on the Harrogate scene in less
than a year. Not only that, but its private
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room upstairs has played host to everything
from a marketing presentation for the local
tourism industry to flower arranging classes,
proving this is not just a venue for post-work
drinks and burgers on a
Saturday lunchtime.
General manager Gareth
Vowles said:“The first
couple of weeks after we
opened were really busy.
After the opening parties,
we had the Tour de
France going right past,
followed straight away by
the Great Yorkshire Show.
“That was our first month
sorted and we were kept
busy, but what has been
good is that it has continued. It shows that
what we’re doing does appeal to people and
it works.”
Of course, like other independent businesses
nearby, Gareth recognises the value in finding
a good location and building relationships.
“You do need to befriend your neighbours,”
he said.“It’s good to have that sense of
positivity around town.
We’re all in it together.
“We are fortunate here
that we have Major Tom’s
Social, Ivory and Montey’s
nearby – we couldn’t
do what we do without
them. Together, we can
attract more people to
the area.
“We know that people
want to go to a few
different places on a
night out. If I was out with
friends and the manager of a bar helped us to
find something we wanted, like a place for a
curry, and was friendly and smiling, I know I’d
appreciate it.
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“We know that
people want
to go to a few
different places
on a night out.”
An experienced team tackled a busy
opening week at The PIt, followed
swiftly by the Tour de France and the
Great Yorkshire Show.
While darts and pool may
be old hat to some, ping
pong is the new game of
choice over a few drinks.
A private
room upstairs
means The Pit
can attract a
wide variety of
customers.
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