Shock and sadness as jobs lost with sudden closure of popular Harrogate nightclub The Viper Rooms

Harrogate's Viper Rooms, owned by Paul Kinsey, posted a statement last night as rumours swirled around the Parliament Street site.

He accused its landlord of "hijacking" negotiations over a new lease by taking possession of the site, and confirmed its immediate closure after 15 years.

The full statement read: "Having tried for nearly three years to negotiate a new lease with our landlord in good faith and after spending £350k refurbishing the club in 2019 they have taken possession of the site, hijacking the process and causing 30 team members to be laid off and causing the cancellation of all the pre-booked Christmas parties."

Hundreds of people shared the news online, commiserating with staff now facing a bleak winter as their jobs were axed in the run up to Christmas.

Mr Kinsey did however suggest there may be announcements to come. Thanking customers for "a blast" of a time, he added: "look out for our new venue announcement soon".

The company - stressing this situation only affects the Harrogate site - also made moves to thank its "loyal" team and entertainers over the year.

They said: "You have been outstanding, and I'm so sorry this has to be our final Christmas experience."

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) owns the site. Corporate director for strategic resources, Gary Fielding, said he was unable to discuss specific cases, but added: “However, we will pursue our policies that protect the best interests of North Yorkshire’s taxpayers, and will therefore act accordingly.”