I wrote this blog last year, and its fast becoming my favourite thing to write about! Its so wonderful to see that it’s been another great year for new independent bars and eateries opening in Harrogate. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite that have opened this year. Most are child friendly – but we’ve added a few that would be ideal for those precious evenings or lunchtimes you have without your mini-mumblers!
If you haven’t heard of Doe then where have you been hiding! This colourful addition to Bower Street opened earlier this year and its fab! Its a donut shop – like no other! An Instagramer’s dream – everything is colourful, fun and delicious! They taste as good as they look. With the menu changing daily you can often find me drooling over their latest creations posted on Instagram. A great treat for all the family.
As soon as a moved to Harrogate, I’ve said to anyone who would listen we need more small cocktail venues. Seems like someone was listening and along came District to Cold Bath Road. They do some killer cocktails, as well as great coffee and delicious pizzas. We’ve been in the daytime with our little one before, and a few friends and had a very enjoyable boozy afternoon in the Snug. We just need to get a babysitter booked now and check it out on a night out!
This place definitely gets my vote for newcomer of the year! It took me ages to finally get round to trying this place out, but my goodness I’ve made up for it since! As a family, this is our go to restaurant, we all love it! In fact, whenever we’re in town my three year old asks if we’re going to Farmhouse. The kids menu is great, the adults menu is even better! Such a huge selection and everything I’ve tried so far (if we’re being honest then its most of the menu!) has been ridiculously good. The cookie skillet is AMAZING! Its a great location, really reasonably priced, brilliant staff and fab decor. You could easily have a whole NCT class reunion in here with no pram parking issues! We had Harrogate Mumbler Christmas party here this year and it was fab! If you’re thinking of opening a local, independent restaurant, get down here and see how its done properly. In fact, Farmhouse if you’re reading this and need any one to test any new dishes I’d happily volunteer!
A firm favourite on the Kings Road, Little Breads opened in the Hydro earlier this year. I must admit I got a little worried when I turned up one Sunday morning for our family swim session and noticed the cafe was no longer there. But a few weeks later, Little Breads arrived and I had my first (of many) rocky roads…wowzers they’re good from here! Just what you need after a long swim. They did really well at the Mumbler awards this year – and rightly so! A great place for all the family.
If you’re a fan of pancakes then head down here! A big favourite for the American community living in Harrogate. It seems to be Harrogate’s secret gem – sorry guys but not any more! A fab place for a lazy Sunday brunch with all the family.
Opening earlier this month Portofino is a welcome addition to Albert Street. Sandwiched between two of the big high street Italian chains its great to see this place is always busy! I haven’t been there yet, but I obviously perused the menu extensively and it all sounds delicious. In fact when I was reading the menu on their door, I caught the eye of a customer tucking into a HUGE bowl of pasta who gave me a big smile and thumbs up! Definitely one to try in 2020.
Not quite new to the scene – but worth a mention anyway! Hoxton North have now starting serving food on a Friday and Saturday evening and i have to say the menu looks amazing. A great little date place. The lovely Mrs Smith’ s Cafe also opened their fabulous little outdoor area this summer. And finally, technically this place opened at the end of 2018 but still worth a mention – Domo on Montpelier Street is the place to go if you want some ridiculously good Japanese cuisine!
So get out there Mumblers, support these brilliant local independents – eat, drink and be merry!
