Fantastic food
Up here in Yorkshire, we’re probably most famous for our tea. Or Yorkshire puddings. Or teacakes. Possibly our cheese. The rhubarb? Maybe our beer?
In short, we’re good at food! Here are a few of my favourite places to tempt my friends and family when they visit, as well as places I just pop into when I’m passing. I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do…
Sampling spirits in Harrogate
If you love gin, this shop is a dream. The shelves are full of the local Slingsby Gin, plus 150 more to choose from and over 30 tonics. My favourite so far is the rhubarb gin, but sadly I can’t say I’ve tasted them all…yet!
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The bottles come in beautiful bags and boxes, and I’m sure whoever is dog-sitting or watering your houseplants while you’re away would be delighted if you brought them one home. There are also gin-blending experiences on offer for the more adventurous. In any case, it’s worth popping in to chat with the friendly team about their passion for gin and learn a little, too.
"Don’t forget to clean your hands on the way into Spirit of Harrogate, using the hand sanitiser formulated with their own Slingsby alcohol."
Tea and cake, with a difference
The ivories tinkle and the cakes keep on coming in the Imperial Suite at Bettys Café Tea Rooms in Harrogate. Indulge in a scrumptious champagne afternoon tea in luxurious surroundings, accompanied by an inhouse pianist – it’s an experience not to be missed!
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Before you leave, make sure you visit the counter to choose a few cakes to take back to your holiday cottage. I love the fat rascals – their plump and fruity scones with cherry and almond.
A café where the days drift by
A quirky café in the centre of York, Drift-In is decorated with surfboards on the walls and motorbikes hanging from the ceiling! The free-living spirit is well and truly alive here!
Everyone is welcome, including the dog (Betsy loves it here), and their chocolate and raspberry brownie is possibly the best I’ve ever eaten. There’s plenty on the menu for all, including veggie, vegan and gluten-free options. If you’re staying at Plum Tree Cottage, this is the place to head for a slap-up lunch on your last afternoon!
By gum, that’s good cheese!
You may not run into Wallace and Gromit up here in Yorkshire, but you can visit the home of their favourite cheese at the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes. Enjoy the cheese-making experience at the visitor centre, before a ‘taste of Yorkshire’ at Calvert’s Restaurant where the finest local produce is championed. Then take a wedge back to enjoy at your cottage – Steppe Haugh is just around the corner.
"The visitor centre at Wensleydale Creamery has now reopened with lots of measures in place to ensure a safe day out for all."
Continue the journey
Let us take you on a journey to Yorkshire from the comfort of your sofa! In these uncertain times, we’re bringing the best of England and Wales to you – so read on and experience Sarah from Ingrid Flute's Yorkshire Holiday Cottages’ favourite places to go and some hidden gems, too. We’ve got plenty of nearby properties, and can’t wait to welcome you soon…
