Bettys tea rooms and others what is the attraction.

[justasking111]

Just reading on another thread the queues for Bettys are long. What is the attraction that sets Bettys apart from the rest, or are there other hidden gems in the UK which attract a multitude of customers?

Their Yorkshire curd tarts, Fat Rascals and macarons are amazing. Plus the old-fashioned service, the atmosphere....oh God, I could go on, there is nothing not to like about Betty's.

Tradition I think, they trade on the fact that it was the thing to do decades ago imo, the amazing buildings in some locations.

I don’t rate them at all - far better places locally for amazing afternoon teas.

I sometimes take DD to the one at Harlow Carr for a sandwich, tea and cake after her hospital appointments- only because the traffic is generally better if I drive that way home.

No appeal for me really.

This is probably heresy that will get me cast out of the north of England....but Betty’s leaves me cold. Sure it’s nostalgic and the service is good, but so it should be for the price. There are plenty of smaller tea rooms that are just as nice, and the queues are a pain for Betty’s too.

Fat rascals and custard tarts, I’ve tried other fat rascals from other bakers and they don’t match up by a mile. Every now and again I order some by mail order when I get the opportunity.

If you're in Whitby go to Bothams. Sherlock's is also very quaint.

Betty's is very expensive I've never seen the appeal? The one in Harrogate had a piano not sure if it still does? That was nice but I'd rather pay less without a piano.

I like the quiche and cakes at Betty’s in Harrogate but go straight in to the shop rather than waiting to eat later. Like others have said there are other places for a good afternoon tea too.

The fondant fancies are the best cake in the world.

It's a lovely experience going in Betty's, if you can beat the crowds.

We ate the silver service afternoon tea upstairs at Harrogate as a birthday treat, that was expensive but absolutely lovely- it felt like going back in time a little bit.

It's lovely and old fashioned... not sure it's quite worth the hype though. I wouldn't be queuing down the street that's for sure.

I live very close to Bettys (not quite spitting but a few minutes walk)

We buy bread and fat rascals weekly but only go a few times a year to eat.

they open evenings and the hot food is actually very good value.

Chocolate is amazing.

If you know anyone who works there you get free fat rascals.

I like the quiche and cakes at Betty’s in Harrogate but go straight in to the shop rather than waiting to eat later. Like others have said there are other places for a good afternoon tea too.

Where in Harrogate does a better afternoon tea?

Just had to google fat rascal.

Jesus Christ they look absolutely revolting!

I suppose someone must like glacé cherries. And fruit scones. But I don’t know who?

The two combined together is like a special kind of hell. Along with Bakewell Tarts. Bleurrgh.

Shout out for the xmas rosti. It was delicious. Rosti with bacon, cheese, turkey, cranberry & tomato relish.

I go a couple of times a year with my mum, I think it is expensive for what you get but we go because we enjoy the whole experience, things like having the tea served in a silver teapot, the cream cake trolley, it just feels a bit posh and a treat. It's nice to have an hour or so in nice surroundings to have a good chat without feeling hurried. We go to the Ilkley one though, not the Harrogate or York, and there's never much of a queue.

I went to Bettys in York and was disappointed, it was nothing special food wise but the room was nice. All the other afternoon teas I've had have been tastier. And, Fat Rascal, dull and tasteless.

I wonder if they still do the orange cake, with candied orange peel in it fantasises

I used to like the Betty's in Northallerton, smaller and much quieter than York or Harrogate.

I lived in York til 2 years ago and the closest I got to it was walking past it
My mother ran little Betty’s in the 70’s-she was the manger there
I just thought it was expensive and Gert and Henry’s in the market was much nicer
Never saw the appeal

I went for afternoon tea at the York Betty’s recently and was very underwhelmed. Their service and the setting was nice enough and a couple of the flavours of the sandwiches were good but the cakes were over-sweet, the sandwiches hadn’t had their crusts cut off properly and there was nothing special about it.

I am happy to pay quite a lot for a good afternoon tea but this was really only adequate and I won’t be going back.

Went there for the first time this year. I am a massive fan of afternoon tea, coffee and cake etc so was really looking forward to it.
Was massively underwhelmed. The supposedly legendary Fat Rascal tasted like a slightly stale, overly dry scone. Nothing else was particularly appetising either. Have had much better cakes in bog-standard tearooms and coffee shops. So disappointing!

Tired, not in Harrogate but in Ripon I love The Old Deanery for afternoon tea. Also a bit further out but Swinton Park and in York I have been to The Grand three times, which is lovely.

The Old Deanery is a steal at £12.50 a head and Swinton have got a two for one deal coming up for £21 - I know that because I have booked it 😂.

I like the Ilkley one as sometimes Alan Bennett is in there.
Love the rosti.
I have never queued to get in.

I bloody love Betty's

Has anyone ever queued for the Magpie fish and chip restaurant in Whitby? If so, is it worth it?

It's another one that always has massive queues and I'm not really sure why, when plenty of places in Whitby do lovely fish and chips without a massive wait!

No the magpie isn’t worth it. Over crowded and meh food. Lives on its name I think.

Trenchers is much nicer both food wise and dining experience