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?

Not sure I understand the appeal of 'The magpie cafe* after looking at pics on internet... 🤮

And it’s hardly an industrial estate, it’s just behind Morrisons and Homebase , surrounded by houses. If you don’t like it fair enough but get your facts straight.

Mrs Hod : Industrial unit? It’s a family business with six branches, they have their own bakery and products are delivered in their own vans to the branches daily. Hot food is produced in proper kitchens on site.

Then why question the fact it is an industrial unit?

@MrsKittyFane1. That looks disgusting.

And it’s hardly an industrial estate, it’s just behind Morrisons and Homebase , surrounded by houses. If you don’t like it fair enough but get your facts straight.

We used to live there. It's an industrial estate.

Bobby
My thoughts exactly!!! 😂🤮

We went to The Harrogate Tea Rooms across the road from Betty's to avoid the queue .

Very filling and lovely at a fraction of the price.

Been to the Betty's in York, but was not that impressed for the price.

Bettys is a Yorkshire cafe/ tea rooms with branches in York,Harrogate, Northallerton and Ilkley. Waitresses dress in quite traditional outfits, it does very fancy cakes and has an online business too. It’s a bit of a tourist attraction but also has many loyal local customers. It’s expensive and seems to divide people who love it or hate it. The queues can be ridiculous and after all that time queuing some customers expect to be treated like royalty, giving the staff a very hard time. It’s very popular with Japanese tourists who order afternoon tea and English breakfast and photograph it, I’ve never seen it eaten. It’s celebrating 100 years in business this year, it must be doing something right. I am not an employee.

Not sure why it would matter one way or the other if the cakes are made on an industrial estate. It's not like they're only authentic if they're made in a traditional Victorian kitchen.

Thanks for the info. However, funnily enough, I do know what it is.
Very outing but DN works in the factory and I've been many times to the tea rooms in Harrogate & York.
As I said, I lived on the edge of the industrial park.
FWIW, I love it. I'm under no illusion that products come some large scale artisan family baker though.
Their marketing dept. is brilliant.

Bettys is the biggest waste of time ever! We happened to walk past when line was unusually short so decided to see what all the fuss was about (still 40 mins wait mind! Goodness knows how long average wait is). Yes service and atmosphere are fantastic, however the food was just OK, not horrible but equally the worst we've ever had from a tea room. There are several other tea shops much nicer and no wait! I think its just one of those things where people buy into the hype and focus more on presentation than quality of actual product...

If you go early for breakfast or late tea out of holiday season, on weekdays, in the winter (preferably when it's raining or snowing) the queues aren't a problem in York! 😂😂😂 Haha!

I was replying to BobbyPuck who was asking what the thread was about.

The afternoon tea at The Principal Hotel in York is very good.

If you're ever near Hartlepool there are amazing places there. The Copper Kettle in Hartlepool itself. Gladys tearoom is 1940s style on Seaton carew. Sut in fish and chips is Mary Lambert's and on the headland Verrills fish and chips. All gorgeous food.

Sit in*

@mrsrhodgilbert. Thanks!

Life The Old Deanery looks gorgeous from the outside, my curiosity is always peaked when we drive passed but I've yet to actually go.

We get takeaway from the Magpie. Have eaten in once or twice but wouldn't queue

Betty's cakes and scones are gorgeous - we often get them to take home from Northallerton. And their hot cross buns are the best in the world.

I queue for Betty's at least once a year with friends - we stay for a couple of hours, have hot food and then cake, and the service is superb.

i agree with an earlier poster the fish and chips and the service are better at trenchers in whitby and the best afternoon tea i ever had was the pub by the river in holmfirth £10.99 and so much food i asked for a doggy bag to take some of the cakes home with me

Betty’s uses absolutely highest end ingredients to make their products, and to an exacting standard. Not everyone will think it’s worth it but I think they are world class.
Been every now and again to the main tearoom, and to the silver service upstairs, and to workshops next to the big bakery.
All are pricey but it’s reflected in the quality, the surroundings, the expertise and the service.
An expensive treat but so worth it.

What is it about the surroundings that set it apart from elsewhere?

I used to live in Whitby and agree with PPs that Trenchers is excellent for fish and chips, or was when I lived there. Service was great too.

I love a fat rascal, but I agree with Betty's, you are paying for the name and the fancy experience, like eating at Cafe Demel in Vienna.

Bothams in whitby tho, ooooh lemon buns yummmmm

The bread & cakes are delicious...but the rosti (& the little breakfast pancakes with warm fruit & creme fraiche which aren't on the menu currently, must be seasonal) are amazing!

@justasking111
I live a few miles away and don't rate the Magpie. It was outstandingly good about 20 years ago but others have raised their game now and it's one among many. The Fisherman's Wife along the road and near the entrance to the pier is the one I always for for.