Our Yorkshire Food Guide will help you navigate the delicious foods that the area has to offer.
With a growing reputation for delicious locally-sourced food, Yorkshire is a food lovers dream holiday destination. The number of quirky cafes, hearty pubs, reputable restaurants, food festivals and pop-up bars available is making the home of the Dales a big draw for foodies all around. From the humble Yorkshire pudding and heart-warming parkin cake, to famous cheese and real craft beer, Yorkshire has food and drink to tickle every taste bud.
Whether you’re a Yorkshire local or a tourist looking to try locally grown food, here at Yorkshire Escapes, we’ve put together a mouth-watering guide to the best eats and drinks around to ensure you get a true taste of culture during your stay.
Before we delve into the best places to eat, we’re going to explore a number of local delicacies you can pick up in shops, stalls and takeaways while on the move…
Yorkshire pudding
While you’ll be familiar with the simple recipe of batter, eggs, flour and milk that is practised in kitchens across the country, nobody creates a Yorkshire pudding quite the people of Yorkshire. In fact, Yorkshire is renowned for innovatively transforming it into a street food essential.
In York and Leeds Kirkgate Market you’ll find The York Roast Co. and The Yorkshire Wrap Company creating Yorkshire pudding wraps filled with a varied selection of quality local meat that they slow roast overnight. You can even try their breakfast wraps filled with butchers best bacon, sausage, egg, and tomato.
Wensleydale cheese
First produced in the village of Wensleydale in Yorkshire, Wensleydale cheese is treasured for its supple and crumbly texture. If you’re a cheese connoisseur, like many of us are, the Wensleydale Creamery provides an opportunity to taste this wonderful cheese at its best, with knowledgeable hands-on staff with expertise in the art of cheese making, Wensleydale Creamery has won countless awards over the years.
Parkin
A classic delicacy of Yorkshire since 1728, parkin is a gingerbread cake made with oatmeal and treacle. It’s unique in the fact it’s baked to a hard consistency, but when left to rest it becomes moist and sticky. Our favourite place for a parkin treat is Lottie Shaw’s, as she creates an authentic taste of the traditional cake.
Brewed beer
Yorkshire is famous for it’s brewed beer, in particular Timothy Taylor and Black Sheep, which you will find in a multitude of traditional and modern pubs across Yorkshire. We also list 391 breweries so you’ll never be short of first class natural fresh local crafted beer.
Prefer a spirit? Be sure to visit Masons of Yorkshire to discover the secrets of their award-winning gin and vodka at their distillery in the heart of Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Curd Tart
A Yorkshire delicacy that dates back to the 1750s, once upon a time the Yorkshire Curd Tart was baked for Whitsuntide, which was when many villages in the county came together to hold fair days. Produced using Yorkshire curd cheese and finished with a hint of lemon curd, these tarts can be found in many local Yorkshire shops and bakeries, however a Yorkshire Curd Tart from Bettys is the perfect product to sample a true taste of Yorkshire.
Chilli Jam
Offering a new tingly taste sensation for those who prefer a more refreshing conserve to put on their scones, toast or bakes. Yorkshire’s Simon Barrett, otherwise known as the Chilli Jam Man has spent several years experimenting to get the taste and texture just perfect. His perseverance has absolutely paid off, with his chilli jam products winning countless awards over the years.
Hendersons Relish
Henderson’s Relish is a spicy sauce that holds a few similarities to popular Worcestershire sauce. Crafted in Sheffield for more than a century, this secret Yorkshire recipe is extremely versatile adding a hint of spice to sauces for meats, soups and marinades.
Fat rascals
These Yorkshire buns are a cross between a rock cake and a scone. Packed full of butter, juicy currents and citrus peel, then decorated with glacé cherries and almonds to create the cheeky Yorkshire Fat Rascal® face at the famous Bettys. Fat rascals are to be enjoyed warm and buttered, with a traditional Yorkshire Tea.
These are just some of the many delights that Yorkshire has to offer, making it clear it’s the county that has something to offer everyone. Fish from the East Yorkshire Coast, tender lamb from the Yorkshire dales, traditional Yorkshire cheeses, countless Yorkshire breweries and fabulous fresh produce make our restaurants and pubs a delight to eat at.
Now, let’s take a look at the best places around…
Bettys
As we’ve already highlighted, Bettys is the place for a well-deserved sweet treat. Famous for its afternoon tea, seasonal menus, hampers and gift boxes; Bettys provides a place to both dine and shop, especially at Christmas. Established in 1919 it’s been a popular retreat for tourists and locals alike, with many flocking to their tearooms dotted in York, Harrogate, Ilkley and Northallerton.
Café Tea Rooms Opening Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00-17:00, Saturday 8.30-17:00 and Sunday 9:00-17:00
Bettys Shop Opening Hours
9:00-18:00 (8.30-18:00 on Saturdays)
The Black Swan
Set within the stunning landscapes of the North York Moors National Park, The Black Swan in Oldstead is a Michelin-starred, 4 AA Rosette restaurant by famous Yorkshire chef Tommy Banks. Boasting creative, dynamic and innovative food, their tasting menu is an intimate reflection of their character, place and lives by developing new ideas from a constantly refreshed palate of produce which is grown and foraged by the team locally. Awarded the ‘UKs Best Fine Dining Restaurant in 2020’ by TripAdvisor, the Black Swan is a must visit.
The Black Swan Opening Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Friday 18:00 – 20:00
Saturday 12:00 – 13:00, 18:00 – 20:00
Sunday 18:00 – 20:00
The Fleece
The Fleece in the quaint village of Addingham fuses old and new to create an unforgettable characterful pub. A traditional Yorkshire taproom, with roaring open fires and classic low ceilings joins forces with a chic Gin and Champagne bar to create a modern yet intimate cavern atmosphere. Whatever the season The Fleece offers beautiful surroundings, delicious local produce and real craft ales to enjoy outside in the sunshine, or cosy up by the fire come winter.
The Fleece Opening Hours
Monday to Tuesday: 12:00-23:00
Wednesday: 10:00-23:00
Thursday – Saturday: 10:00- 12:00
Sunday: 10:00-23:30
Yorebridge House
Yorebridge House is a 5 Star, 3 AA Rosette, boutique hotel in the heart of Wensleydale in the breath-taking Yorkshire Dales. They are dedicated to luxury and fine dining, with a personal and professional service from the moment you arrive. Boasting an open fire and romantic atmosphere Yorebridge House is the perfect place to enjoy an intimate anniversary or birthday meal.
Yorebridge House Opening Times
Daily
Breakfast 8.30 – 22.00
Light Bites and Afternoon Tea 12.00 – 15:00
Dinner from 17:30
Vennels
Situated in the beautiful town of Masham, 15 minutes north of Ripon in North Yorkshire, Vennels has a clear philosophy, providing fresh, local, seasonal produce that has been handled with utmost care. Offering heart-warming yet fine dining, this contemporary Yorkshire restaurant will be a big hit with interior lovers as the intricate details and bold patterns make this eatery extremely pleasing on the eye.
Vennels Opening Times
Wednesday to Saturday from 19:15
The Friars Head
One of North Yorkshire’s most iconic bar and restaurant destinations, Friars Head in Akebar presents a fusion of classic and modern dining. Choose from a choice of menus, table settings and entertainment to create a unique and memorable experience for any special day.
The Friars Head Opening Times
Monday 12:30–23:00
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 12:30–23:00
Friday 12:30–23:00
Saturday 12:30–23:00
Sunday 12:30–22:30
There’s never been a better time to visit Yorkshire and enjoy some delicious, fresh food. Why not make a weekend of it? Here at Yorkshire Escapes, when it comes to accommodation, we’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking for a cute cottage with an idyllic backdrop, a dog friendly property to bring along furry friends, or a large holiday home to bring everyone together, we have an extensive array of houses nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for you to enjoy.
