Harrogate bars set for 'scorcher' weekend as sun shines and phones ringing 'off the hook'

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As we head into the second weekend of al fresco drinking and dining, hospitality venues are gearing up to welcome plenty of customers to their outdoor areas.

Many say they are already booked up for the weekend after already enjoying a busy week, boosted by the good weather.

Simon Cotton Managing Director at HRH Group which owns the Fat Badger, said the opening week was a huge success and the trend is expected to continue.

He told the Harrogate Advertiser: "Thank God for the weather. What a great opening week last week was and with the weather set to continue to be on the side of hospitality businesses well into next week, the weekend ahead is going to be a scorcher.

"The phones are ringing off the hook and most tables are now fully booked for the whole weekend but we are keeping a few back for walk ins and will continue to try and accommodate people as much as we can."

The Fat Badger has created 'Podville' in its outdoor area, where guests can enjoy their own bubble of luxury while drinking and dining.

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The concept has gone down well with customers and Mr Cotton says it offers a 'festival' vibe, especially in the sun.

He added: "Podville, despite some initial teething problems which have now been ironed out, has been hailed a great success and the real festival vibe that the space brings has gone down very well."

Members of hospitality teams across Harrogate have been working hard since the reopening, with long shifts and lots of customers to serve, as well as Covid rules to enforce.

Mr Cotton has praised his team for their resilience and continued dedication.

He said: "The team have worked incredibly hard and if anyone thinks hospitality work is easy then they are hugely mistaken. The staff have been comparing steps taken on their phones to see who has walked furthest and Dan Howard, the Fat Badger general manager, covered an incredible 85 miles in the first seven days alone.

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"Most of the public have been very understanding of the new rules and how hard the staff are working to look after them and I'd like to thank people for respecting hospitality workers across the town."

Pictures: Mike Whorley.