Harden's survey result
Summary
“An institution in York, and a ‘must’ on any visit to the city” – this central branch of Bettys dates from 1936, with an interior inspired by the ocean liner Queen Mary, and its Belmont Room – named after Frederick Belmont, the Swiss confectioner who founded the Harrogate original in 1919 – is “a real treat”. “There’s no place like Bettys if you want to enjoy a classic afternoon tea with as many of the trimmings as you want” – “the quality of the food offering is never in doubt but what is exceptional is the professionalism and efficiency of the staff”.
Summary
“An institution for a very good reason, so be prepared to queue” – this “absolute classic” tea shop is a “must-visit” that “always delivers great quality”. The original Bettys was opened in Harrogate in 1919 by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont – an era that the group still embodies, and a nationality commemorated in the “really good rösti” still served. The brand has become thoroughly naturalised in Yorkshire over the ensuing century, and York is now its biggest branch – whose only fault is “that it’s always crowded”.
Summary
“Like being on the Titanic without the iceberg!” – with its “piano music and wood panelling taking you back to a bygone age”, its “super service and such attention to detail”, (not to mention its “perfect cakes”) – this iconic tearoom sails serenely on. The same couldn’t be said, though, for its nearby Little Betty’s offshoot, whose closure was announced in Spring 2021.
Summary
“A must-visit experience” – brave the queues which “move surprisingly fast” at this iconic tearoom, which turns out “great breakfast and brunch”, but really “stands head and shoulders above others when it comes to afternoon tea”. The latter features “traditionally clad waitresses and a range of old favourites (you “cannot beat a fat rascal”) in surroundings that seem dated but somehow are just what you want”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Bettys?
6-8 St Helen’s Square, York, Y01 8QP
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
6-8 St Helen’s Square, York, Y01 8QP
Opening hours
| Monday | 9 am‑5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am‑5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am‑5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am‑5:30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am‑6 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am‑7 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am‑5:30 pm |
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