New restaurant and wine bar aim to transform wine tasting and fine dining in Harrogate
3 February 2016 By Northern Lights
Local property developer Ian Humphreys and rising culinary star Michael Carr have joined forces to transform the Harrogate fine wine and food scene with the launch of Restaurant 92 and The Optimist wine bar at 92-94 Station Parade.
By ensuring high quality dishes are matched with heartier Yorkshire portions, the team at Restaurant 92 are aiming to enhance fine dining in the town. With a young and experienced team that share the same passion for food, Restaurant 92 is promising a stylish range of dishes in an ideal setting.
Restaurant 92 will also be complemented by a new wine bar “The Optimist”. The venue offers a diverse array of fine wines by the glass or bottle and will cater for connoisseurs and the inquisitive beginner with equal gusto. Offering “flights of wine” accompanied by tasting notes, customers can sample and experience a range of drinks and embark on a wine-tasting journey.
Founder Ian Humphreys, who owns a number of businesses and properties in Harrogate, the UK and overseas, says: “Harrogate has more than 200 restaurants and some great places to eat. But what Michael and I feel is missing is that special mix of fine dining with somewhere you love and can afford to go regularly.
“The Optimist will also bring something unique to the town. In addition to complementing the restaurant, it will offer an unrivalled selection of wines to suit every taste alongside craft beers and and a small, but taste-packed, menu of charcuterie and cheeses.
“These two venues offer an unbeatable luxurious experience, but are affordable. I live, work and socialise here and that’s something Harrogate needs. We are offering a new, delicious and thoroughly enjoyable alternative for everyone in the region.”
Ian Humphreys has been partnered by 23-year-old head chef Michael Carr in Restaurant 92. The chef has a career spanning nine-years, having started at the young age of 14 at Rudding Park. More recently he worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in London – Gordon Ramsay’s at Claridges and Alyn Williams at the Westbury.
Michael says: “Ian and I share a vision for Restaurant 92 – fine dining with a twist and heartier Yorkshire portions. I want to use traditional English recipes, updated for the 21st century with foraged fruit and vegetables where possible.
“I am also keen to feature Yorkshire meats and produce and I want a close relationship with our suppliers. We are pitching the food and prices so that people come here regularly, not just for special occasions.”
There are plans to create a Chef’s Table later in the year in their private dining room, for parties of seven to 12 people. Michael says he will produce ‘cool, bespoke menus’, spend time with the diners explaining the food and wants to find a way for diners to do some of the cooking in the kitchen as part of the evening.
Restaurant 92 seats up to 80 people and is initially opening Tuesday to Saturday for a lunch, early bird and evening service. Lunch is only £15 for two courses, a typical main course in the evening is around £18 and the menu will change regularly. The Grill always has a selection of steaks and come with incredible triple-cooked chips. The five course Chef’s Tasting Menu is £54.
For more information, visit Restaurant92.co.uk or call 01423 503027.
