Pack your hamper: how to plan the perfect picnic
Whatever your personal picnic style, our tips will help you enjoy this most seasonal of delights to the fullest.
Bettys Mirror
During the war the Oakroom became Betty’s Bar, a popular haunt among servicemen from nearby air bases. Some left a permanent reminder of their visit by inscribing their name onto a mirror which still hangs in the basement café.
A brief history of Bettys York
What role did a journey to America play in the design of Bettys York? What calling card did servicemen leave in the Oak Room during the second world war? And what happened at Bettys during the swinging 60s? Find out in our brief history of Bettys York.
Recipe: Strawberry, Cherry & Rose Tisane mocktail
What’s that thwack we hear? It’s the gratifying sound of tennis ball on racket – Wimbledon is here! To mark the occasion, we set Bettys Cookery School genius Lisa Bennison the task of devising a Wimbledon-inspired mocktail based on our new Strawberry, Cherry & Rose Tisane. After all, Wimbledon and strawberries go together like Bettys and afternoon tea.
Design for life: how Corin Mellor designed a new cafetiere for Bettys
Cafés don’t ordinarily contain fully functioning traffic lights flashing from green to amber to red. Ours certainly don’t. But this one does. I try not to look confused. There are lots of regulars here enjoying tea and homemade cake. I don’t want to look like a tourist – I act natural and scan for an explanation. Film: Crafting our new shop at Bettys Ilkley
Every little detail has been thought of in creating the brighter, more spacious shop at Bettys in Ilkley. We're particularly proud of our partnership with Peter Thompson of York whose hand crafted furnishings you can see being created by Master Wood Carver Graham Gamble in this short film.
A new look for our Ilkley shop
Our new shop at Bettys Ilkley is causing a bit of a stir - for all the right reasons. From the magnificent macaroon towers and elegant loose chocolate counter, to the world of flavours awaiting in our magical tea drawers, it’s truly a place to discover the best of Bettys.
A fun trees-themed activity pack for primary school teachers
As part of our Trees for Life work, we’ve created a pack designed to support primary school teachers who want to help their pupils learn about trees and discover the joys of their local environment.
Bettys' mischievously magical Christmas film
All sorts of magical treats go into a Bettys Christmas Hamper, and some have a mind of their own...
A brief guide to Champagne
Today, Champagne is more popular than ever before, but its history has followed a rich and varied course. Made in the eponymous northeast region of France, Champagne emerged as a sparkling wine in the mid-17th century. The region’s short growing season and cold climate meant that the wine had to referment in the bottle, producing the carbonic gas. But the bubbles were not desired – they were seen as a symptom of bad wine-making. Due to its propensity to explode in the cellars, Champagne became known colloquially as ‘the devil’s wine’. Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon tried hard to remove the natural fizz, but his efforts instead went on to aid Champagne production for centuries.
The artisans of tableware
When we were looking for a British manufacturer to produce a bespoke set of fine bone china for our Bookable Afternoon Tea, one name stood out: Royal Crown Derby.
Introducing Bookable Afternoon Tea
For the last 12 months, in a room marked ‘Top Secret’, we’ve been planning something … well, top secret. But today it’s a secret no more: on 15 May we will be proudly launching our Bookable Afternoon Tea – a brand new reservation-only dining experience in the Imperial Room, Harrogate, and the Belmont Room, York.
New Spindler artwork at Harlow Carr keeps alive 80 year tradition
In 1936 Frederick was a passenger on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary, and he must have been thrilled that the luxury liner also had an extensive collection of marquetry. He had these pictures recreated in the Belmont Room at Bettys York with the large mural depicting ducks flying over a lake.
Recipe: Croquettes aux crevettes grises
This delicious dish featured on our Where the Dales Meet the Alps Cookery School course. We created a menu that included recipes from locations along the 2014 Tour de France route, including specialities from Yorkshire, France and, in this case, Flanders in Belgium.
Bonfire Night Baking with Bettys Cookery School
Traditionally enjoyed in Yorkshire on Bonfire Night, Parkin is a delicious seasonal treat packed with black treacle and spiced with ginger. Why not try your hand at making your own to share with family and friends on 5th November with this recipe from Bettys Cookery School?
Bettys Cookery School Tutors share the secrets of Swiss cooking
Visitors to the recent Malton Food Lovers Festival were treated to a live demonstration from Lisa Bennison and Amy Callin, senior tutors at Bettys Cookery School, who took to the stage to share the secrets of Swiss cookery with the crowds and showcase classic continental recipes, including zürigeschnetzeltes (veal with mushroom & cream sauce) and spätzli (little dumplings). If you weren't lucky enough to be able to attend the festival, we're delighted to be able to share these recipes with you here on Bettys blog.