Harrogate restaurant extends Eat Out to Help Out offer to thank customers after 'challenging year'

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La Feria, on Cold Bath Road, will be offering 50% off a value of up to £10 per person, all day Monday-Wednesday.

It comes after the Government-funded scheme in August proved a roaring success.

Owner Jez Verity told the Harrogate Advertiser: “The scheme in August proved very successful and we were lucky with the time of year too.

“People were more than happy to come and sit on the terrace and enjoy themselves.

“It was really terrific and I know a lot of businesses in Harrogate will say the same - the Government’s backing really helped to give us a boost when we needed it most.

“The offer worked really well and people understood the terms very clearly, so we have decided to extend it off our own backs as a way to thank our loyal customers, and maybe even entice some new ones.

“We just wanted to give something back and say thank you for the support.”

Despite the scheme’s success, it has undoubtedly been a difficult year for the hospitality industry - something which Jez believes is not helped by the current 10pm curfew.

He says the restrictions are proving tough for the restaurant industry, not to mention pubs and bars.

“I can’t lie, the curfew is proving a challenge,” he said.

“Like a lot of other venues, Friday and Saturday nights are our busiest and it is clear we are losing revenue as people are having to leave much earlier.

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“People are now getting their bill at 9.45pm in order to leave the building by 10pm, so that leisurely end to the evening seems to have disappeared slightly and people aren’t able to carry on their evening in the town afterwards, which is a real shame for some of the other venues in town.

“I feel really sorry for all the pubs and bars because that’s when they usually make their money - they are losing out on the post-eating out trade.

“It is even harder as we are already acting at a reduced capacity for social distancing, so we aren’t able to cater for as many people as usual.”

But Jez has praised the people of Harrogate for their support of local businesses throughout the pandemic and says they have been very understanding of the difficulties facing the hospitality industry.

He says people are beginning to adapt to the new rules and are now starting to eat earlier.

With the sector still facing an uphill battle to recover the trade lost during four months of lockdown, support from both residents and visitors is more crucial than ever.

Jez added: “Harrogate is a very unique place full of lots of options for eating and drinking.

“Although some venues have been unable to reopen their doors, which is a real shame, many have come back fighting and the public support is clear.

“People have really pulled together to show support for the hospitality industry and it makes us really proud.”

Although experts have warned this winter could be one of the toughest yet for those in the sector, Jez says he is staying positive and looking to the future - with his fingers crossed for a number of exciting Christmas plans.

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He said: “I don’t think we could ever have a more challenging year but our focus now is to support our staff and offer the same great experience to our customers.

“Bring on next year...”