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
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Georgina Pellant -
10th June 2021 
