Tag Archives: Visit York

Bettys Tea Room, York

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Bettys Tea Room is an institution in York, a beautiful cafe where you can enjoy the finest tea and cake.

Mentioning my upcoming visit to York, many friends recommended Bettys, reminiscing about this family run business with genuine fondness. The first Bettys opened in the fashionable spa town of Harrogate in 1919 and since has grown to six tea rooms (with shops) across Yorkshire, plus a cookery school and a home delivery service.

I visited the main branch of Bettys in York, situated in the heart of the city in St Helen’s Square. The elegant building demands immediate attention, with the ground floor adorned with huge curved windows. Inside the beautiful wood panelling and ornate decor reminded me of Breakfast at Tiffany’s… a golden era of vintage sophistication. We were sat upstairs in the aristocratic Belmont Room, where you can book for the afternoon tea at weekends. Here a pianist plays familiar classics and guests chatter while sipping from their china cups.

It was difficult to resist the champagne version of the tea… for an additional £7 you receive a glass of Hebrart Premier Cru or Moutard Rose Prestige Champagne. To accompany our food, we tried three of the more subtle teas: Ceylon Blue Sapphire, China Rose Petal and Bettys Tea Room Blend, each with its own delightfully delicate flavour.

Three tiers of treats arrived shortly after the drinks…

Sandwiches filled with smoked Scottish salmon & cream cheese, roast Yorkshire ham & mustard, roast free-range chicken breast with tarragon mayonnaise and free-range egg mayonnaise & cress.

Freshly baked sultana scones with strawberry preserve and Yorkshire clotted cream.

A selection of handmade miniature cakes.

The sweet items were better than the savoury. I have to admit I wasn’t a big fan of the sandwiches, that though fresh, were rather uninspiring, lacking moisture and seasoning. The scones were absolutely divine, soft and delicious, especially good once topped with the jam and thick cream. The cakes were the highlight, unsurprisingly, an assortment of beautiful classic creations from the pastry chefs.

Whether you pop in for a quick cup of tea or spend hours over an afternoon meal, Bettys Tea Room is the first thing to put on your York visit itinerary, and the last thing you will forget.

More information here.

www.bettys.co.uk

Thanks to East Coast Trains and www.visityork.org

East Coast operates 72 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and York. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer, plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £26 Standard Class or £79 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.

Things to do in York

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With East Coast Trains‘ direct service it is so easy to get to York. Just two hours from King’s Cross and you find yourself on cobbled streets, wandering around this historic city discovering the secrets inside its ancient walls. York is ideal for weekend trips, a close contained city with every tourist site and attraction within walking distance. In just 36 hours I sought out ten adventurous, relaxing, enjoyable, educating and delicious things to do, and by the end of Sunday night I had decided that York is definitely one of Britain’s most beautiful and interesting places to visit.

1. Visit the epic Minster, one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals… and if you are feeling really energetic climb to the top of the Tower where, on a clear day, you can see 25 miles into the distance.

2. York is known for its haunted history… nightly ghost walks take eager tourists round the dark streets telling stories of woe and hysterical haunted anecdotes. I can recommend the Ghost Hunt which leaves from the Shambles every night at 7.30pm, and is hosted by an exceptionally eerie gentleman.

3. Drink tea and scoff cake at Betty’s Tea Room, the famous cafe in the city centre. For special occasions the champagne afternoon tea in the Belmont Room is particularly lovely.

4. They say you can drink in a different pub every night of the year in York. Visit one of the ‘365’ charming drinking holes for a pint before supper. Each pub has its own character and tale to tell. Look out for the two Canadians hoping to try all of them… and see their progress on their blog here: www.365pubs.wordpress.com

5. Visit the award winning York Castle Museum to take a trip through time. Step inside Kirkgate, the recreated street and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian Britain. Every adult and child will love this magical museum.

6. Dine at one of York’s best eateries on Fossgate: J Baker’s Bistro Moderne for fine food and wine, Masons for unbeatable burgers and The Blue Bicycle for an atmospheric and relaxing dinner.

7. Get your caffeine kick at Coffee Culture or Attic Cafe. Apparently York’s beans make some of the best espresso in the country.

8. Take a walk through the Snickelways, tiny alleys that have survived through the centuries and offer some of the best shopping in York.

9. The Treasurer’s House is a wonderful property currently being restored to its former glory. Admire this illustrious man’s home and hear more about his extravagant life.

10. Learn about York’s scrumptious sweets at The Chocolate Story. Understand about cocoa refining, read about the history of confectionery and have fun making (and eating) your own chocolate lollipops.

Thanks to East Coast Trains and www.visityork.org

East Coast operates 72 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and York. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer, plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £26 Standard Class or £79 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.