Weekender: Business serves up enhanced dining and shopping experience
Snooty Frox of Harrogate, an exclusive ladies occasion wear store, and its daytime restaurant The Wild Plum, are expecting profits to rise by 30% following a two-storey extension to their premises, with support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
The Hookstone Road business is owned by Hilary Haresign with daughter, Bethany, as head chef of The Wild Plum. Bethany was trained under two-star Michelin chef Michelle Roux and was crowned ‘Chef of the Year’ at the Harrogate Hospitality and Tourism Awards earlier this year. The support from Lloyds Bank forms part of its pledge to lend up to £1.4bn to Yorkshire businesses during 2019.
As part of the expansion, The Wild Plum seating capacity has been increased by 30%. The restaurant has had a full refurbishment with a new open plan kitchen, so diners can watch the chefs at work.
Meanwhile, Snooty Frox is also expanding its floorspace by 15%. Its special occasion wear department is being enlarged, with the business revamping its casual department. The transformation is due for completion by spring 2020.
The expansion has enabled the business to employ four new members of staff from the local area.
Hilary Haresign said: “We offer a fantastic range of designer clothing and are renowned for our excellent customer service. This expansion is an essential part of the development of the company, which has continued to grow year on year.
“Lloyds Bank really understands what we’re striving to achieve as a business. We believe the excellent relationship we have with our business relationship manager is instrumental in helping us develop the business for our customers.”
Arthur Asquith, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Snooty Frox and The Wild Plum’s success reflects the changing nature of retail. Today, retail businesses need to offer customers more of an in-store experience by combining traditional product sales with added amenities like food and drink.
“But it’s a high level of service that really sets this firm apart. From the sales stylists to the restaurant team, everyone is committed to providing the best experience. Supporting businesses like this, that have a great talent for their trade, is key to achieving our helping Britain prosper strategy.”
