As an avid afternoon tea-goer, I’ve experienced lots of grand hotels and stately homes in my time. I’ve even visited The Ritz for afternoon tea as well as The Roseberry at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. But, nothing quite left its mark like Bettys in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, Harrogate, is one of Yorkshire’s most iconic tea rooms. 

It’s a classic British destination for afternoon teas, cakes, sandwiches, as well as breakfasts and dinners. The very first Bettys opened in Harrogate in 1919, founded by Swiss-born Fritz Bützer, who later became Frederick Belmont.

He was a Swiss orphan who travelled across Europe, learning his trade as a confectioner, baker, and chocolatier, until he boarded a ship for England to pursue his dream.

Over the last century, it has become a Yorkshire classic, with other locations in York and Northallerton. 

I’ve wanted to visit Bettys for a long time after discovering a love for their food while ordering online. 

So, on a recent visit to Leeds, I took a trip over to Harrogate to discover Bettys, and unlike usual, there was no queue, which I very much enjoyed.

I went for breakfast but browsed the entire menu to see what was on offer. Besides classic afternoon tea, you can also have light meals such as sandwiches, egg royale, rosti dishes, and seasonal specials.

Popular treats include the famed Yorkshire Fat Rascal scone and a range of pastries and cakes, including the iconic fondant fancies.

I’ve ordered Betty’s fondant fancies for years, with the company changing the decoration to match the season. They aren’t cheap, however, with just six small cakes totalling a whopping £21.50, definitely a treat but definitely worth it.

I decided to opt for cinnamon sugar toast, which I didn’t expect to find on the menu and had never seen before.

However, it was sublime, and I’ve been dreaming about it ever since. Soft bread and cinnamon sugar warmed up, what more could you ask for? There was one downside to the visit, though: the bill. It isn’t a cheap place to visit, and the toast was a whopping £4.75, while a hot chocolate was nearly £6. A full English breakfast was nearly £18, and some rosti bites were £ 5.50. In fact, the prices left me quite speechless; however, it was a treat and definitely worth it.

The hot chocolate was delicious, though, and I’ve purchased Betty’s chocolate flakes for hot chocolate ever since. All of the food was delicious, and the service was faultless. 

Bettys also has an in-shop section where you can buy their own teas, chocolates, biscuits and gift items. 

I’d highly recommend a visit if you’re making a trip to Yorkshire, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.