With the final lifting of government restrictions, for some of us, it’s all we’ve been looking forward to. At the same time, there’s a deep level of anxiety associated with the thought of socialising in pubs and restaurants at this time. To help with that, I have compiled a list of my top summer hangouts in Harrogate with fantastic outdoor spaces, superb food and warm, friendly staff.
STUZZI
46B KINGS ROAD, HARROGATE. HG1 5JW
WWW.STUZZI.CO.UK
@STUZZIHARROGATE
Stuzzi is a superb neighbourhood Italian restaurant. With a sheltered, colourful, vibrant outdoor seating area it is the perfect place for excellent food, service and people watching. Welcoming, passionate and enthusiastic staff. It’s a real taste of Italy with all the usual favourites and popular Italian offerings and interesting regional dishes. Authentic cantina atmosphere. Brilliant choice of Italian wines that you can taste before you commit to a glass or a bottle, from all the regions to match the dishes and the best Aperol Spritz in Harrogate!
PARADISE FOOD
DALESIDE NURSERIES, RIPON ROAD, KILLINGHALL. HARROGATE. HG3 2AY
WWW.PARADISEWITHFRJ.CO.UK
@PARADISE_FOODS_
This is a real hidden gem! Tucked away outside Daleside Nurseries Garden centre you will find France Atkins’s gleaming airstream food wagon. (Formally at The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill). Producing the most exotic and interesting seasonal menu from the finest local ingredients. I was blown away by the Grouse last August and the Scallop and bacon wraps are amazing. The food is perfectly cooked and presented, as you would expect from this renowned chef and her team. Alongside the daily changing, seasonal menus you can also get bespoke seasonal hampers and impressive private dining experience to enjoy at home.
WEST PARK HOTEL
19 WEST PARK ROAD, HARROGATE. HG1 1BJ
WWW.THEWESTPARKHOTEL.COM
@WESTPARKHOTEL
Superb, central location, cool, fresh and spacious restaurant with the most beautiful floral arrangements and super comfy seats. The streetside outdoor seating area is ideal for people watching and overlooking the Stray and they have just have just opened ‘The Courtyard’ which is a glamorous, stylish and luxurious outdoor space. Delicious modern British fusion menu. The perfect place for a light lunch and a glass of fizz with friends or a Sunday roast with the family. Wide range of wines and Champagne by the glass and bottle. My summer pick would be The Whispering Angel Provencal Rose 2020.
LA FERIA
WELLINGTON HOUSE, COLD BATH ROAD, HARROGATE. HG2 0NA
WWW.LAFERIARESTAURANTS.CO.UK
@LAFERIAHARROGATE
Brilliantly constructed Andalusia meets Yorkshire vibe with an extensive tapas menu. Their speciality is delicious free-range chicken with super tasty salads. An inspirational menu which is hard to replicate at home. Extensive Spanish wine list with a good range of sherries. I usually go for the Vilarnau Rosado Brut Reserva Cava or a chilled glass on Manzanilla. It feels like being in Jerez, Cadiz or Tarifa. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Lovely. large outdoor space with patio heaters and a terrace down to the street with comfy and quirky seating. Probably the best outdoor space in Harrogate.
RUDDING PARK CLOCKTOWER BRASSERIE
RUDDING LANE, FOLLIFOOT, HARROGATE.
WWW.RUDDINGPARK.CO.UK
@RUDDINGPARKHOTEL
Beautifully grand south-facing terrace, nestled in the pulchritudinous park land, which blends contemporary design with traditional luxury. Relaxed and informal by day and exudes glamour at night. The perfect setting to enjoy a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve which is the house Champagne. You always get a wonderfully warm welcome and the staff are extremely attentive. Extensive wine list to complement the fresh, seasonal menu, many ingredients picked directly from the kitchen garden.
WILLIAM AND VICTORIA
6 COLD BATH ROAD, HARROGATE. HG2 0NA
WWW.WILLIAMANDVICTORIA.COM
@WILLANDVICS
Harrogate’s longest running wine bar and one of the best loved independent restaurants in the area. It is always lively and busy, friendly and welcoming. Serving up delicious locally sourced ingredients in beautifully presented dishes. They have a fantastic glass roofed pergola for outdoor dining and a few small tables out the front for an impromptu glass of Jacques Boncoeur Brut Champagne with a yummy plate of Yorkshire tapas.
ONE LAST THING…!
Don’t forget to book your table to avoid disappointment. And if you can’t make it for whatever reason, don’t forget to cancel, it only takes a minute. while businesses are trying to get back on their feet, a complete no-show has a huge negative impact for them, and an economic knock-on effect for the whole hospitality ecosystem.
Be kind and be patient, It’s been a rough year, especially for the hospitality industry. After dining at one of these lovely places, don’t forget to leave a tip and do a little social media PDA. Take all the food photos. Share on your Instagram and Facebook– let everyone know you had a safe and fun experience out.
And finally, Enjoy yourself! And have a dessert and/or another glass of wine. You might as well now you’re out. For the economy’s sake.
