Weaver’s bids to Shed the past as reopening planned
CLOSED RESTAURANT’S NEW LIFE
A HIGH-CLASS Colne Valley restaurant, which closed following its owner’s acrimonious dispute with Kirklees almost seven years ago, is to reopen shortly.
Andy Ratcliffe shut The Weaver’s at Knowl Road, Golcar, back in May, 2013, with the loss of more than 20 jobs, after a bizarre row over the noise generated by a refrigeration unit at the rear of the premises.
But now it is bursting back into life on Saturday, March 14, as The Weaver’s Shed after Mr Ratcliffe decided Jason Knowles had the necessary skills to make a roaring success of it.
A massive compliment given that, in its heyday, The Weavers, as it was then known, was considered the equal of any fine dining restaurant in the Huddersfield area.
Jason, 47, originally from Barnsley, has turned The Walker’s Arms, Golcar, around and has signed a 10-year lease with Mr Ratcliffe.
Jason said: “Nine months ago, I bumped into Andy at a party. We were chatting and I said: ‘There’s only one place I would go to that would be a challenge for me.’ He looked at me. I had no idea that he owned the building!
“I went down to see him later at Huddersfield Mini Spares, in Milnsbridge, and I thought: ‘No, he can’t own this as well?!’ But, of course, he does.
“He was impressed with how I had turned the Walkers around and I have always wanted to go into food, so it was a happy fit. The kitchen there was only two metres square, so there was only so much I could do. I’m coming out of the Walker’s in May, so there will be a short overlap while I’m running both.
“I’m really excited about The Weaver’s Shed, there’s just so much potential. It’s a huge place, but it’s beautifully designed, so it’s intimate, too.
“Although we’re not even open yet, our Facebook profile has had 1,000 followers within two hours and 26,000 people had viewed it within 48 hours. The courtyard is getting a fantastic glass roof, too, and we’ve already got six weddings booked in. Our Mother’s Day menu sold out within 24 hours, so all the signs are good.”
And, with spectacular views stretching all the way to Castle Hill, a large outdoor area, cask ales, and a large car park, as well as function rooms and several hotel bedrooms, it’s easier to say what The Weaver’s Shed hasn’t.
For many diners, there will be the chance to meet a welcome, familiar face in The Chef who
Cooked for the Queen, Gavin Skaczkowski, former head chef at The Old Golf House, Outlane.
And, for those who enjoy a bubbly, Yorkshire welcome, Jason says his front-of-house staff won’t disappoint.
Although there won’t quite be 21 staff to match 2013 levels, there will be up to 14 and it is early days.
Jason’s idea is to pitch it at the successful model of Harvey’s - or, as he calls it, kitchen/bar with every dish made from scratch.
The grand opening is set for Saturday, March 14.