The Pantry is set to open in Harrogate at the end of February 2013, using the highest quality Yorkshire ingredients to provide quintessentially British fare.
The venture is driven by Jonathan Elvin, a local lad who having travelled Europe to train in a number of high calibre and Michelin starred restaurants, has decided to come back to his home turf to establish his dream.
Set on Montpellier, with a beautiful forward facing view of the green, the building has already established itself as a regular amongst the Harrogate sky line, having run as a restaurant for the past 20 years, recently as Claret and before then Hedleys.
The image of The Pantry however will be different to what has come before. Jonathan’s vision is one of simplicity and modern elegance that will allow the space and atmosphere to blend effortlessly from brunch, to lunch to an evening dining experience.
The entrance will take you to an informal dinning area with 20 covers and a bar area, while the first floor is a larger area, featuring 46 covers and large bay windows with beautiful views across the Montepellier area of Harrogate’s famous Stray.
The aim is to create an informal and light atmosphere where people can visit for brunch, lunch, teas through to dinner.
Jonathan Elvin explained:
I am aiming to use my training in classics, but to inject britishness into the menus and style of the restaurant.
We are very excited about sourcing many local ingredients to make some great British dishes, sometimes with a bit of a twist to them though.
The business itself is a family investment and having that family finance and support makes it something very close to my heart.
The style of the restaurant will be very open and relaxed, downstairs will feature the day-time very casual area, while the first floor will be the main evening dinning area.
We were aiming on being open for valentine’s day, but some of the building work has taken a little longer than anticipated – we want it to be right rather than rushed.
I can’t wait to get back behind the stoves!
Jonathan is also in the process of recruiting a new team with around 7-positions looking to be filled from front of house to kitchen staff.
Jonathan has already appointed his Front of House Manager, French born Lydie Jeannerod. Lydie brought her wealth of experience to the UK in 2006 after training in Poligny and Dijon as a wine somelier. She put this knowledge into practise working for established chains such as the Hotel Du Vin in Winchester and the historical Grand hotel in York and will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with when the doors open at The Pantry in February.
Lydie said:
This is very exciting times and I am looking forward to the opening night.
Currently we are working on the menus and wine lists as the new restaurant comes together.
Being part of the restaurant means I can have direct input to what is happening
Jonathan and Lydie are in the final stages of working with local suppliers and completing the menus.
The restaurant is set to open its doors on the 22 February 2013 and are already taking bookings.
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