Norse plead for help from customers to prevent the Harrogate restaurant from closing
On January 2, 2018 Norse uploaded a blog to their website stating how they are under threat of closure due to a slow period last year.
In the post, the team explain how they suffered from a slow Autumn between the months of September and November and despite receiving a lot of good feedback from customers and having a successful New Year's Eve, Norse owner Paul Rawlinson expresses how behind the scenes they have been suffering financially and will need to turn things around if they are able to bring in more clientele.
As Norse continues to become known as a destination restaurant Paul and head chef, Simon Jewitt will aim to attract customers with a new format that excludes small plates in favour for a classic three course format. The tasting menu will still be available at the existing price and they will still cater for vegetarians, pescetarians, coeliacs and other dietary requirements.
“We need to change and encourage guests to visit more regularly. There is just about enough time to turn it around if we move really fast and get it right.”
Customers have written off the restaurant due to it’s Nordic ‘misconceptions’
In the blog Paul explains how many customers have written off the restaurant due to it’s Nordic ‘misconceptions’, in light of this the team say they still intend to showcase the Nordic influence but say it will be less ‘pronounced’ to gain new customers.
“We think our cooking style is best described as modern and we use a lot of Yorkshire produce so that’s how were going to describe ourselves from now on.”
Taking to Twitter, head chef Simon Jewitt shared the blog through his own personal account getting inundated with replies from followers praising the restaurant and urging them not to change their ethos.
Am always saying, use 'em or lose 'em. V brave blog from @EatNorse cc @jayrayner1 https://t.co/gSczG6nkEj
— Marina O'Loughlin (@MarinaOLoughlin) 2 January 2018
I loved @EatNorse in Harrogate when I reviewed it, and now they're being honest about the challenges they're facing. pls give em your support by eating there. https://t.co/ObDkURVMpe
— Jay Rayner (@jayrayner1) 3 January 2018
Telling, truthful and touching. Support your local restaurants people, support them good, hard and *repeatedly*. I'll be popping in on my next Harrogate trip for sure. https://t.co/ghjtnhpIpo
— Thom Hetherington (@ThomHetheringto) 2 January 2018
No shows and late cancellations
Towards the end of the blog, Paul explains how they have ceased taking deposits to help bring customers through the door but have suffered from no shows and late cancellations since making the changes.
Paul ends the blog by thanking those who have come to visit over the last eight months encouraging people to share the blog and spread the word to help the restaurant get back on its feet.
“This format change is our last chance to alter the trajectory of the restaurant. It is absolutely achievable so please believe us when we say we are going to do everything in our power to bring the restaurant through this and out the other side. The reality is that we’re going to need your help to do it.”
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