If you mention York or Harrogate to any foodie, I'd be surprised if the following conversation doesn't begin with Betty's. Having ventured to Betty's in York a year or so ago, I was treated to a surprise afternoon tea at Betty's for my birthday. As soon as we arrived in Harrogate I was hoping that we'd stop by, so an experience of Lady Betty Afternoon Tea in the grand room was very well received.
First off, you'll have to excuse the photographs. My birthday was back in November and this post has been on the back burner during Christmas. I now have a new DSLR but I couldn't not share this little gem with you.
In case you didn't already know, Betty's opened in 1919 and has been quite the northern tearoom heaven ever since. Tea lovers and cake gobblers venture far and wide for Betty's; namely for the impressive tea blends, welcoming service and those fat rascal cakes. I ordered my favourite Betty's Earl Grey whilst the perfectly presented waitress took our orders and asked about any dietary requirements.
Before our sandwiches, we were presented with a couple miniature courses of Prawn & Avocado Cocktail, Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Dill Roulade and a Wild Mushroom Fritter. Meanwhile, a lovely older gent tinkled along on the piano. I love the idea that he has worked here for decades and they make sure he always has a good cup of tea and nice sandwiches for lunch.
The starters were just the ticket for setting off our quintessential British afternoon. Very light and beautifully presented. Then it was time for the real deal...
The sandwiches change now and again but often keep the classics. We had Roast Yorkshire Ham & Tomato Pate, Egg Mayonnaise, Coronation Chicken and Cheese & Beetroot, since I didn't want chicken. Soft and well filled - we ended up having another round of the ham and tomato which were on super squidgy sun blushed tomato bread!
In true, savoury before sweet fashion... time for cake! These were a Chocolate Praline Slice, Apple Caramel Macaron, Grand Cru Chocolate & Raspberry Square, Fresh Berry Meringue, Miniature Battenberg and Coffee Religieuse. Those who know me well will know I was all about the Battenberg, shortly followed by praline. Yum! It was totally melt in the mouth and delicious - I just wish my old camera could have done it justice. The only thing I wasn't keen on was the macaron. Obviously it was beautifully presented but I just couldn't get on board with an apple and caramel filling.
And of course the scones. As well as the classic sultana offering, there was something a little different. A lavender scone. This had been delicately flavoured with Wolds Way lavender from North Yorkshire and gave a light sweetness without been too perfumed. Absolutely stunning!
An afternoon well spent and one of my favourite afternoon teas to date. For £32.95 a head, you're certainly very well looked after and definitely don't leave hungry. (Even if you are pretending to be dainty and ladylike at the same time). It was the perfect birthday treat! To polish off our lovely afternoon, we were given a mini tin of Betty's speciality leaf tea to take home. A lovely touch.
Have you ever had afternoon tea at Betty's? Have you ventured to the Harrogate or York branches?
Betty's
1 Parliament Street
Harrogate
HG1 2QU
We also went to Scandinavian restaurant Norse for our evening meal, as if we had room.
Betty's
1 Parliament Street
Harrogate
HG1 2QU
We also went to Scandinavian restaurant Norse for our evening meal, as if we had room.
Note: We paid for our meal in full and they did not know I was reviewing the experience.
That looks like the most perfect afternoon tea! I love the fact that you also got Amuse Bouche. I've been to Betty's in York a couple of times but now want to do it properly as I am most definitely a tea lover and cake gobbler!
ReplyDeleteIt looks amazing! I'd love to have afternoon tea there. Your photos make it look so good. Hungry now...
ReplyDeleteWow - I'm pretty much drooling reading this. Those cakes look delectable. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteOhhhhhh my god that all looks insane.
ReplyDeleteLove Betty's! I've never had Afternoon Tea there though so now I really want to book a trip for fancy tea (and takeaway fat rascals)!x
ReplyDeleteLooks amazing - it's on my bucket list!
ReplyDelete