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Harrogate Cricket Club is delighted to announce that Andy Hawkswell will be taking over as the new tenant of The Balcony, with an official re-opening on Friday 17th July.
With a new ‘sports bar’ feel, local guest ales, a revamped wine list, hot and cold food served on match days, improved cricket teas and the opening of the upstairs bar on match days, there’s plenty to look forward to!
Many of you will know Andy as the junior section’s head coach, and it is with our full backing that he takes over the running of The Balcony on a three-year lease after a lengthy and considered interview process.
As a successful local businessman, Andy’s vision and passion for running The Balcony has shone through, and while agreements were made earlier this year, we have delayed signing the paperwork until government guidance on re-opening pubs/bars was issued by the government.
Andy has received confirmation from Harrogate Borough Council that he can become the licensee of The Balcony and has also obtained his food handling qualification. He has submitted full plans to the board on his vision for the future of The Balcony and we look forward to him creating a top-class venue for players, members, spectators and visitors alike.
Chairman of Harrogate Cricket Club Steve Clark said: “We are really excited to offer Andy the tenancy of the Balcony Bar at Harrogate Cricket Club. I am particularly pleased that Andy is taking on the role because he is already well known to the membership having played for Harrogate CC first team and is a current second team player, when time allows(!). He has also supported the growth of our very successful junior section.
“Andy will recruit a team of passionate, likeminded people to help him manage the day-to-day operations, including the familiar faces of Chloe and Josh. Andy is passionate about making the Balcony Bar a facility for our members to be proud of. Andy has committed to making the Balcony a venue for Harrogate CC members, non-members and visiting teams to drink, eat and socialise in. Andy will introduce more of a ‘sports bar’ feel to the Balcony, with more facilities being provided for watching sport, while a pool table will also be available.
“The Board has spent a lot of time and effort to ensure we select the right person to take on this key area. To be fully transparent with members, we have two options available to us when it comes to running The Balcony. The first was to employ a manager and staff and run it ourselves, picking up the pieces when things don’t go according to plan, which took a mammoth amount of work at the end of last year by committed volunteers just to keep the bar ticking over. The second is to lease The Balcony to an individual who will put his heart and soul into making a success of the venue.”
Members can expect to be able to watch cricket from the upstairs bar that will be opened during match days, making use of the best place in the pavilion to watch cricket from. They can also expect an improved food offering and overall a much- improved match day experience.
“We are all looking forward to when The Balcony can open, abiding by the relevant measures that the government are putting in place, to renew friendships and enjoy Andy’s hospitality. The Board is fully behind Andy and his vision”
New tenant of The Balcony Andy Hawkswell said: "I'm excited by the challenge of bringing The Balcony's hospitality up to the same standard as the playing facilities. We have a flagship cricket ground which deserves a venue that its members and guests would be proud to call their local.
"You can expect to see a variety of local guest ales and a revamped wine list, along with hot and cold food served on evenings and match days.
"During the daytime The Balcony will serve freshly brewed coffee and cake and be transformed into a venue which holds exercise classes and parent and toddler groups."
Whilst we get used to a ‘new normal’ we ask that our members give Andy their full support and backing as he puts his stamp on The Balcony.
Please do follow The Balcony’s social media accounts and website for more information and news of upcoming events, offers and to talk to Andy about booking your next function.
