Prince Harry on flying visit to Harrogate
4th May 2010
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Original story By JO FRANCISCO of the Yorkshire Evening Post
An impromptu royal visit pulled in the punters in one Harrogate bar after Prince Harry dropped in to devour a burger and a pint of beer.
The prince was at the Banyan Bar & Kitchen, on John Street with a group of up to 30 after being told he had passed his Army pilot's course, enabling him to fly Lynx or Apache helicopters.
According to staff, the 25-year-old stuck to one pint of Grolsch and a couple of colas when he visited for a few hours on Thursday.
Manager Gareth Bowles said the prince tucked into a Governor burger after going for the two for £12 deal with friends.
He said: "They were all gents and looked pretty athletic. Harry was mainly talking to the older ones who were in their 40s. He tucked himself in the corner and wore a cap. He had three bodyguards with him. One turned to me and said do you think we'll have any problem with paparazzi and I said not really, it's quiet. It's Harrogate!
"Harry didn't come to the bar that often. He was sitting having a chat with his mates and wandering around with his hat on. He came across as a really nice guy."
Once he was spotted, the bar began to fill up according to Mr Bowles.
One woman punter handed the Prince her business card. Mr Bowles said: "She's just started her own business as a wedding planner and said 'I've heard you might be getting married – here's my card!"
The group left at around 11.30pm.
