District Bar on Cold Bath Road will keep the covered outdoor seating area that was constructed during the Covid pandemic to encourage social distancing permanently.
Harrogate bar to permanently keep covered outdoor areaDistrict Bar on Cold Bath Road will keep the covered outdoor seating area that was constructed during the Covid pandemic to encourage social distancing permanently.
The bar opened in September 2019 just a few months before the town’s hospitality industry was turned on its head by Covid.
Like many other bars and restaurants in Harrogate during the pandemic, District Bar was granted approval by the council to erect a semi-permanent metal structure on its patio to allow customers to sit outside.
Not only did the covered area allow customers to sit safely away from each other during Covid restrictions, it has also become a dry and warm space during the winter months and helps to block out noise from the bar onto the street.
Last week North Yorkshire Council approved a planning application to see the structure remain on the site for good.
The council has stipulated that the area must close by 9pm when customers must move inside.
Planning documents submitted by the owner of District Bar said:
“Following a well received launch we were then, like the rest of the world, thrust into the unknown with Covid and the challenges it brought. Like many other small local businesses, we struggled to exist and get through it. But we consider ourselves part of the local fabric and community, and to that end received tremendous support from local public.
“In 2020, since we couldn’t operate inside due to Covid restrictions, we applied and received permission for a ‘semi-permanent’ structure to be erected on our patio connected to the bar.
“What we have found since its erection, is we disrupt our local community even less than we did before since noise is no longer an issue (prior we had people outside talking till 9pm) and as well as that an area where people still sceptical of covid and contagion can distance them selves from our main inside bar area. It has created a warm and cosy area for people to still keep safe distances.”
By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Categories announced for Harrogate Dog Show 2026
BID businesses vote 'yes' for new five-year term for Ripon BID
Masked fundraising ball returns to Harrogate next weekend
From Harrogate to New York: Ladies College pupil secures Ivy League place
Harrogate Spring Flower Show shortlisted for national tourism award
New matcha and coffee shop opens in Harrogate
Mother Shipton's Cave launches 'world's creepiest' Labubu-style toys for charity
Knaresborough named among top 10 'most beautiful places' in UK
Full music programme revealed for Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
Court upholds council's decision on Harrogate Gateway scheme
Harrogate family take on Yorkshire Three Peaks to honour late mum
Ripon crowned Yorkshire's domestic tourism capital
Former Bed Restaurant owner reflects 10 years after closure
Harrogate Theatre pantomime nominated for national award
WATCH: Filming for All Creatures Great and Small takes place in Ripley
Harrogate MP blasts Mayor for failing to act on disabled bus pass restrictions
Local attractions to close as Met Office issues yellow weather warning for wind
Harrogate taekwondo master awarded MBE for long-standing contribution to sport
Harrogate dance group set for world record attempt
Gareth Southgate visits popular Harrogate pub
