The taste of North Yorkshire’s produce is renowned across the country and here you’ll find everything from fresh seafood caught that day to Michelin–starred restaurants serving up innovative menus. Take a look at what’s on the menu for your next foodie trip…
Exciting Flavours in the Howardian Hills
Helmsley and the Howardian Hills were recently named the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ in the inaugural Good Food Guide Awards, celebrating the area’s passion for locally grown and reared food. At the heart of the Howardian Hills you’ll find the pretty village of Hovingham, home to the Michelin star rated Restaurant Mýse, while The Star Inn at nearby Harome is a firm favourite serving modern Yorkshire cuisine.
Malton, the food capital of Yorkshire
Just down the road, Malton, the food capital of Yorkshire, is bursting with independent coffee shops, bistros and pubs, while the Talbot Food Court is home to artisan bakers, ice cream and delectable macarons. The town hosts monthly food markets showcasing local producers, plus a twice-yearly Food Lovers Festival with local and celebrity chefs topping the bill alongside delicious demos. Each September, the unique Marathon du Malton see runners nibble and sip their way around the 10k treat laden course.
Treat yourself in Harrogate
A trip to Harrogate wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bettys for afternoon tea or Fat Rascal – a fruit scone with a cheeky almond and cherry face – well worth the queue out of the door! If you fancy a tipple, you’re spoilt for choice with quality wine and cocktail bars, plus you might be surprised to find the award-winning Yorkshire Heart Vineyard and Brewery just 30 minutes from town which produce fine English wines and craft beers. In Ripon, treat yourself to a meal to remember at the luxurious Grantley Hall which serves up sumptuous menus across multiple restaurants.
The Taste of the Dales
Take a gastronomic journey through the Dales with the annual Yorkshire Dales Cheese Festival which sees cheesy bites and themed dishes available in local cafes and restaurants, cookery courses and the chance to meet the makers behind some of the area’s top cheeses.
Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes has a rich history of cheesemaking dating back over 1000 years, while the award-winning Courtyard Dairy in Settle is the perfect lunch spot after you’ve tackled the dales, serving up unusual and exquisite farmhouse cheeses.
The UK’s biggest Food and Drink Festival takes place each summer in Skipton, with street food, masterclasses and workshops, live cookery demos, and plenty of opportunity to sample and stock up on tasty treats, alongside live music.
Breweries of Tadcaster
At the bottom of the county, Tadcaster has a long history of breweries thanks to its unique geology and water supply, and is home to Samuel Smith’s, Yorkshire’s oldest brewery which dates back to 1758, as well as John Smith’s and the Tower Brewery. Meanwhile, the award-winning Fairfax Distillery produces hand crafted artisan spirits and exquisite chocolates in a former country inn. See the distillation process in the pub, try your hand at a cocktail masterclass or opt for a paint-your-own chocolate experience!
Seaside flavours on the Yorkshire Coast
Head to the likes of the Magpie Café in Whitby to sample its seafood chowder, or a chippy tea at The Fisherman’s Wife, among many others. If you’re craving a sweet treat, Botham’s of Whitby is famed for its lemon buns – sweet dough topped with lemon icing – or call into The Harbour Bar on Scarborough’s seafront for a delicious ice cream sundae.
The coast’s independent spirit is clear to see with a surprising range of family-run breweries and distilleries producing award-winning gins and rums from the likes of Spirt of Yorkshire Distillery and Filey Gin, and craft beer at Whitby Brewery, brewed in the shadow of the iconic abbey.
The Whitby Fish and Ships Festival in May celebrates the town’s maritime heritage with chef demos, a fish craft tent, plenty of market stalls and live music, while the quarterly Filey International Food Festival hosts over 70 vendors, including a prosecco bar!
Visit our Food and Drink pages to discover more delicious ideas for your foodie day trip or holiday to North Yorkshire.
