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 where the username C&P from - I meant that for @The RattleBag

Hip, it’s nice in there, staff are really lovely, food is generally very good, nice sandwiches for lunch (but big portions on homemade ciabatta and served with posh chips so not unless you are starving (or share)).

It’s really easy for me to get there so I go too much. A bit of a relaxing escape. Gardens at the back are nice to eat in on a nice day.

We tried a fat rascal in the spring in the Peak District as I ‘d never had one. Not Betty’s but a local bakery. You can’t get them where I live. I was a bit disappointed, it’s basically a scone with glacé cherries and almonds on. Nothing special.
Wish I ‘d had the Bakewell tart instead!

I like the Quayside for fish and chips in Whitby. Not arsed about afternoon tea at all so can't comment on Bettys.

I was born & raised herein Harrogate and the queue for Betty's has always been long. Every day. Without fail!
I've never been into the main one in town but I've been into the one at Harlow Carr Gardens. It really is beautiful. The cakes are amazing and being served tea with sterling silver cutlery etc is a real treat. That's what it is - a treat!

@MrsKittyFane1 It's not Knaresborough it's in Starbeck. Not far from Knaresborough though

Despite living in Harrogate a my life, it was only recently that I realised that Taylor's of Harrogate who make Yorkshire Tea are the same company as Betty's Tea Rooms! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

I went to Betty's in Harrogate a couple of years ago for a birthday treat as I love afternoon tea and thought it would be nice to experience one of the best. Wasn't that impressed tbh! We paid over £80 for two afternoon teas, we did book to avoid queuing and the booked one was a bit more expensive than standard.

Nice atmosphere and they did have a piano and played Happy birthday for someone. Didn't think the service was amazing though, don't want up sound like a dick but it was teenage waitresses and they didn't do anything wrong by any means but not some legendary service.

Sandwiches and cakes fairly disappointing for the price, and there wasn't two of everything so you had to decide what to have each which just seemed wrong and really upset me! Also not that much food.

Had afternoon tea at Le Maurice in Paris which cost about 65 euro but was well worth it, best hot chocolate imaginable and so much food with as many home made sweets/confectionary things as you could eat at the end!

I've lived in Harrogate most of my life and have never eaten in Betty's. Someone bought me a fondant fancy from there for my birthday and it was the nicest cake I have ever had and is going to be my new birthday tradition

Bullivants in York when it was open, beat tem all in too a cocked hat.

I used to like the Magpie but the tables are really close together, more so than before, so I rarely bother now.
I don't think Betty's is worth queuing for.

York. Stonegate and St Helen's - absolutely nothing special I'm afraid...

Sounds as thought I'm better off continuing to swerve the Magpie. Thanks all for confirming my thoughts!

I've been into Betty's once, but it was a bit underwhelming for the price.

We have a nice tearoom in my town, with the service, cakes, etc, and I'm sure there'll be plenty of other tearooms just as nice.

As forfish and chips, I've been to Whitby a few times and have tried The Magpie. Not the best I've had, certainly agree Trenchers was better.

I've never rated The Magpie, it's living on its hype (much like Bettys). Trenchers and Quayside are much better. Beware if you are vegetarian that most chip shops in Whitby use beef fat for cooking chips.

Also a Rusty Shears fan, what could be better than gin and cake. Their savoury food is also great.

I’m never going to taste a fat rascal again
Since going completely gluten free
☹️
And no cream ( lactose free) and jam either.

Dowser, I can highly recommend this book for you. You will be making your own version of a rascal.

The Bakewell tart recipe is amazing.

I still don't understand, why would you pay £30+ for sandwiches and cakes. Is this a northern thing? It seems utterly bananas to me as for that price you could get a lovely, healthy meal in a half way decent restaurant.

I hope you're all taking notice of the many nay-sayers who wouldn't give Bettys the time of day (or their money), because that means next time I go, the queue will be shorter and I'll get in quicker!

Bettys is fab.

Bobbypuck assuming from your comments you’re from the south (although the faux naïveté doesn’t really wash), try having afternoon tea in London & Betty’s will seem like a bit of a bargain.
And people are discussing afternoon tea, not potential alternatives, so maybe this thread isn’t for you.

Since when has anyone even thought that afternoon tea is northern?

Stood in line for Magpies once but didn't bother again, it was pleasant but not exceptional.
My favorite Bettys is Harlow Carr, there is a bit more space there. Honestly I like NT teas the most.

There are several nice hotels that do afternoon tea in London bobby the Ritz springs to mind.
Further afield Peninsular hotels throughout the world do pleasant versions.

q

Fat Rascals