1980s–today
Bettys Today
If our founder, Frederick Belmont, walked into Bettys today, what would he think? The dainty fancies, smart interiors and continental-inspired menus should reassure him that our Swiss history continues to inform our present. As would our Craft Bakery in Harrogate – a little corner of Switzerland in Yorkshire. He’d recognise the skills of the craftspeople who work there, who use the finest ingredients to create handcrafted treats. He served his apprenticeship as a baker, confectioner and chocolatier – just as our bakers, confectioners and chocolatiers do today. A visit to Bettys Cookery School would show him how we share our skills and our passion for cooking beyond our bakery with the rest of the world.
Of course, though Frederick was Swiss, he made his home in Yorkshire. He was a blend of the Dales and the Alps, just as we are. All five of our cafés are in Yorkshire so he could try a taste of the county without leaving its borders – a Yorkshire Curd Tart in Northallerton, a Fat Rascal in Ilkley, a cup of Tea Room Blend in Harrogate.
Always a man ahead of his time, he’d be delighted to discover that the mail order service he established in the 1920s is now sending treats to all four corners of the world.
He may be amused to find that his collection of Spindler marquetry pictures that once hung on the walls of his den at home are now proudly displayed to visitors to Bettys in York and Harrogate. And he’d certainly enjoy seeing the newer additions to the collection, especially since that would also entail visits to Ilkley and Harlow Carr – Bettys Tea Rooms that didn’t even exist in his time.
The Belmont Room in York, on the other hand, would be entirely familiar. It would take him back to the journey on the Queen Mary passenger liner that inspired its design. We hope it would make him happy to find that it looks no different today than it did when it first opened in 1937.
Mostly though, we think he’d feel proud. Proud that the little café business that he founded on 17th July 1919 is still here, 100 years later, bearing the name ‘Bettys’ over the door.
“Working together to build a great Yorkshire Family Business, creating prosperity and pride by doing what we believe in”
The Family’s Vision for the Business – from our Family Business Constitution launched in 1994
Our famous Afternoon Tea
Choosing a treat from the fancy counter
Bettys Cookery School
Immerse yourself in the culinary world of Bettys with our renowned Cookery School. Guided by our expert instructors, you'll create delectable dishes from scratch, unlocking the secrets behind our signature treats. Our courses cater to all levels of culinary expertise, making them perfect for novices seeking to hone their skills, seasoned cooks seeking new techniques, or individuals seeking a delightful shared experience with friends, family, or colleagues.
Discover our Café Tea Rooms
There's no better time to visit Bettys than now. We have recently launched our delightful new menus in our Tea Rooms, our shops will be brimful of limited edition seasonal treats and gifts, and in Harrogate and York you can have the ultimate Bettys experience with our Bookable Afternoon Tea.
