What to expect when Harrogate's bars and cafes reopen indoors from Monday

Harrogate bar may reopen after being closed for more than a year

Although eating and drinking outdoors has become widespread in the Harrogate town centre - and across the district - since lockdown restrictions started to ease again for businesses on April 12, traders without easy access to pavement space, backyards or or beer gardens have still not be able to afford to reopening.

So we can expect a greater number of bars, cafes and restaurants in Harrogate to reopen from next Monday when customers will not be exposed to the elements or bad weather.

Unlike last autumn, the new rules do not insist on a curfew and up to six people or two households will be able to meet indoors.

But, when pubs and restaurants open for indoor dining, it will be with table service only; customers won't be able to order from the bar.

And drinkers and diners must comply with a toughening of the test and trace rules, which previously only required one person from each group to register their attendance on the NHS Covid app.

All customers must now check-in under the new regulations, allowing the NHS to more easily contact anyone who may have been in contact with someone infected with the virus.

Already the likes of the Half Moon on Abbey Road in Knaresborough, which has been closed for most of the last year, have said they will be reopening from next Tuesday, though with advance booking online.

From next Wednesday, Roosters' indoors Taproom is also reopening at the independent brewery located at Hornbeam Park.

And both the Hales Bar on Crescent Road and the Harrogate Arms on Parliament Street are also set to reopen on Monday.

Advance booking is recommended, though walk-ins will be accepted if space and tables are available.

David Dresser, owner of the Fashion House Bistro on Harrogate’s Swan Road, said like everyone else in hospitality, he was looking forward to the next phase of reopening the hospitality industry.

“For us, the last month has been pretty good. The first two weeks were incredible thanks to fantastic weather, and to be fair the last two have also been pretty decent.

“Customers have dressed accordingly and just enjoyed being able to have a meal and drinks with family and friends.

“Taking into the ‘rule of six’ or two household, Monday will see us being able to provide at least another 40 covers indoors.

“From Sunday, May 23, we will once again have live music with Hayley Gaftarnick performing from 5pm until 7pm. Live music is something many people been craving.”

Stage 3 of easing lockdown: New Government rules

From Monday, May 17 indoor hospitality can reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums, and children’s play areas.

Up to six people or two households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.

All remaining outdoor entertainment can reopen, such as outdoor cinemas and performances.

Some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances, and sports events.

Restrictions on the number of attendees will remain as set out in the Roadmap.

Guidance on meeting family and friends will be updated.

The public can make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with their friends and family

The Transport Secretary has confirmed that international travel can begin to safely reopen from May 17, allowing people to go on foreign holidays to ‘green’ list countries.

Up to 30 people will now be able to attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events including wakes, as well as standalone life-cycle events.

These can take place outdoors or at any indoor Covid secure venue that is permitted to open.

Organised adult sport and exercise classes can resume indoors and saunas and steam rooms may reopen.

The final stage of the roadmap, Step 4 is due to take place no earlier than June 21.

Further details on Step 4 will be set out at the end of May.

The Bear at Carriages in Knaresborough pushes back indoor reopening date due to refurb

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