Harrogate's West Park has given its courtyard and bar a makeover, making it one of the most attractive looking spots for an alfresco lunch in the city.
Diners and drinkers at the former coach house can now make the most of the gorgeous summer weather, thanks to the addition of a new retractable roof and outdoor bar in the courtyard.
It's also introduced some new food and drink menus, which champion local Yorkshire produce at every turn - from fruit and veg to Yorkshire-farmed Warrendale wagyu beef.
In fact, bosses are so committed to growing local that the hotel even has its own kitchen garden in the Walled Gardens of Mount St John, Felixkirk.
The roof here can easily be closed if the weather turns and the hotel also has another trick up its sleeve to keep you warm: heated seats.
Yes, the delicate teal booths conceal heated pads to give you that added boost of warmth if needed. These can be turned on or off at your request.
The new outdoor bar is well stocked with local and international ales, spirits and wines. West Park has also created a brand new cocktail menu, featuring such delights as the rhubarb and wild berry sour.
On the food side, meanwhile, choices range from rump of Yorkshire Warrendale wagyu beef and peppered tuna sashimi, to Indian spiced pulled chicken wrap, and warm goats cheese and roast mediterranean vegetables.
Already famous for its warm Yorkshire welcome, culinary delights, and stunning views of the lush green Harrogate Stray, the hotel now has even more things to recommend it.
Speaking of the refurbishment, a spokesperson for the hotel group said:
‘’The privilege of welcoming back our loyal customers alone is quite something after a turbulent year, but to be able to knock them for six with our eye-popping makeover makes it even better.
"The design is beautiful and the heated seating, heat lamps and retractable roof ensure we can welcome guests come rain or shine.’
‘’The makeover is the result of public demand, with more of our customers seeking out alfresco venues to soak up as much of the sun as they can.
"It’s the perfect setting to unwind and indulge in what I believe to be our most ambitious and mouth-watering food menus to date, especially for those that love their hearty British comfort food, prime steak and seafood.
"We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to The West Park Hotel.’’
Part of the award-winning Provenance Inns Group, the hotel is connected to a string of gastro pubs and boutique hotels located around the North of England. For more information and to book, head to its website.
Eats
Salon Madre – a new tequila bar and pool hall is opening in Leeds this month
Manchester's favourite Mexican bar is about to become your newest nightlife destination in Leeds.
It's been a long time coming, but Salon Madre is officially ready to open in Leeds.
Although we may have to wait a little bit longer for Madre, the day-to-night eatery that has made waves over in Manchester and Liverpool, Salon Madre, its lively tequila bar and pool hall sibling, is officially opening on Friday 20 February.
Salon Madre, which will be located just around the corner from Madre at 114 Wellington Street, is where the party really gets started.
Image: The Manc Group
Expect tequila-fuelled nights, pool tables, lively DJs and Lucha Libre on the big screens.
There will also be plenty of tacos being flung out the kitchen to keep you going until the early hours.
If you’ve ever visited one of their venues in Manchester or Liverpool, you’ll know it’s an absolute riot and we can’t wait to welcome them to the city.
Images: The Manc Group
Co-founder Sam Grainger, inspired by countless trips to Mexico, says: “Mexico is alive with passionate artisans and cooks, mastering everything from street tacos to regional delicacies. It’s a world where traditions blend and evolve and we’ve built that ethos into the heart of both Madre and Salon Madre.”
Madre Leeds will open soon and you can even grab yourself a free margarita by signing up to their newsletter here.
We’ll keep you up to date with their opening times but for now, we'll see you at Salon Madre for a boogie, margarita and game of pool next week.
Award-winning Leeds restaurant announces shock closure just months after opening
Clementine Hall
Emba in Leeds will be closing its doors with the owner blaming rising costs and pressure on the hospitality sector.
Back in April last year, one of Leeds' top restaurants The Owl closed its doors.
Run by renowned Chef Liz Cottam, The Owl was reimagine into Emba - a trendy restaurant tat bridged 'the gap between cosy bar and vibrant dining room'.
To open Emba, Cottam opened a Crowdfunder where supporters would be awarded with prizes such as VIP dinners and merch depending on how much they donated.
But sadly just months after opening, Emba is to close permanently.
Cottam confirmed the sad news with a statement shared with customers over the weekend, saying she was completely "heartbroken".
She said: “This is no longer the right time to own independent restaurants like Emba,” she said. “Under the current conditions they cannot survive and the recent budget confirmed what so many of us already knew: no meaningful help is coming for hospitality.
"The experience of being here and the harsh financial reality of running a business here no longer stack up.
"Being award winning, popular, admired and loved no longer means profitable and as an industry if we’re honest most of us have not truly been okay since Covid."
She signed off the statement promising to return to the restaurant world, she said: “What I do know is this, I am not done. I will keep cooking, keep creating and keep finding ways to do the thing I love.”
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2021 
