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
Big name restaurant closes Leeds city centre site after seven years
A popular restaurant chain has closed permanently in Leeds city centre.
Popular pizzeria Franco Manca has closed its Leeds restaurant.
The chain was famed for its relaxed atmosphere, quick service and affordable sourdough Neapolitan pizzas that were on offer for as little as a fiver.
The chain occupied the site on the outskirts of Trinity Shopping Centre on Trinity Street, next door to Itsu and overlooking the back entrance of Marks and Spencer.
Hoardings have now gone up, signifying the site is now empty and Franco Manca has permanently closed.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
This can also be seen on Google when searching for the restaurant branch.
It was announced earlier this year that a number of Franco Manca's restaurants would be closing across the country.
This was down to a reconstructing plan approved by creditors for the chain. The brand said it had been knocked by “disproportionately high” UK taxes and a lack of business rates relief for hospitality.
Marcel Khan, chief executive of parent firm Fulham Shore, said at the time: “We are grateful for the support shown by our creditors today.
“Franco Manca is a fantastic brand with a strong heritage and loyal customer base. With this agreement in place, we will put the business back on a firm footing and press ahead with strengthening our customer offer and performance.”
The Leeds brand was not included in the initial list of restaurant closing, but it seems further closures were made.
Miami-inspired Leeds bodega to open second site in Horsforth following huge success of first
Clementine Hall
A sandwich shop in Leeds is expanding to the suburbs.
Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonsos Deli has made a name for itself for serving some of the best sandwiches around the city.
Such a good reputation in fact, that they’ve just announced a second location over in the leafy suburb of Horsforth. Get in.
Currently, you'll find Alfonso's in the Grand Arcade where their light-filled and airy space is slinging out sandwiches non-stop until sell-out.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not just sandwiches, though. They're also serving up fantastic Cuban coffee, beer and even Cuban cigars.
Basically, it's everything you'd expect to find in a deli in Miami.
The team shared the news of the expansion on social media, confirming that a brand-new Horsforth site is on the way.
While an official opening date is yet to be revealed, the announcement has already sparked plenty of excitement among loyal customers, many of whom have been calling for a second location since the deli first opened.
Alfonso's has built a devoted following in Leeds, with its signature Cubano sandwich becoming a firm favourite, while its breakfast bagels draw queues of hungover punters through the doors.
The move to Horsforth marks the next chapter for the independent business, bringing its popular menu to a whole new neighbourhood. And they're in fantastic company too, in a suburb that is flourishing with independent local businesses.
If the success of the Grand Arcade site is anything to go by, the new deli is likely to be just as busy from day one. More details, including an opening date and the full menu, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Good luck to the team, we can't wait to check it out.
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2021 
