The Empress Hotel, Harrogate is undergoing a significant £130,000 renovation, jointly funded by Ei Publican Partnerships and experienced local multiple operators Simon and Sharon Colgan, to create a quality traditional pub with ‘a little something for everyone in the local community’.
The considerable investment will add a bar and increase the capacity of the upstairs function room. The downstairs bar, which is naturally divided into two sections, will also receive significant superficial renovations to create a dining area on one side and a sports viewing section on the other.
Publicans Simon and Sharon are experienced operators who have extensive knowledge of the local area. They currently operate two Ei Publican Partnerships pubs in Leeds: The Duck and Drake, and The Grove Inn; along with two free of tie pubs: Harrogate Blues Bar, Harrogate and The Worlds End, Knarseborough.
As with all of Simon and Sharon’s pubs, The Empress Hotel will place a strong emphasis on community spirit, running a series of live music nights, pub game nights and local classes.
Simon, who has been running pubs for over 20 years, said: “We met with Ei Publican Partnerships at an open day in April. We have a good relationship from our existing pubs and saw the potential to fill a gap in Harrogate’s market.
“We were given freedom to renovate the pub and make our vision for the pub to become a reality. Expect a place where people are equally comfortable coming for a game of pool, a pint and the match; as well as celebrating a family occasion, or enjoying a Sunday Roast. There is a little something for everyone.
“The newly renovated upstairs area has amazing potential with great views, we plan to host weddings and parties, along with events for the local community. In fact, we’ve already got a Zumba class booked in.”
In addition to a new look and feel, the site will reopen with a completely new menu that champions traditional, fresh produce. The diverse menu will change to fit a range of different dining occasions.
Visitors can expect sharing platters and hand-made pizzas on sports nights, along with traditional pub classics every day of the week, and a roast on a Sunday.
Simon added: “We’ve introduced an easily navigable menu that puts fresh, wholesome food centre stage in an unfussy environment. We’re confident it will be a hit with locals, while also having the curb appeal to attract tourists and people from neighboring areas.”
Greg Smith, Regional Manager at Ei Publican Partnerships, added: “We’re committed to investing in traditional pubs at the heart of the community and are delighted to reopen The Empress Hotel with Sharon and Simon at the helm.
“They’re experienced publicans who have an extensive knowledge of the local area and what the community needs. I’m confident the new offer, with its focus on community events, live music and quality food, will prove a hit.”
The Empress Hotel plans to soft launch on 23 October 2017 for the local community.