We’re very blessed in Helmsley to be surrounded by lots of
wonderful independent businesses. When we say the town is made up of
one-of-a-kind shops, we really do mean it – it’s a high street unlike any
other. Which is a bonus when it comes to finding a new gift idea that hasn’t
been done before!
But one thing we love about the town in particular is the
abundance of great food and drink businesses. The town is teeming with them!
And as you know, we do love our quality food and drink…
We’ve very lucky that only two doors away is the fantastic Crema Coffee Shop. Perfect for
when you need a caffeine pick-me-up, their hot chocolates are a welcome
indulgence on a chilly day! Rachel, the owner, also does a great line in gluten
free cakes (and gluten-filled cakes for that matter), if you’re looking for a
sweet treat.
Just slightly down Borogate, there is the marvellous Scott’s Fish and Chips takeaway and
restaurant. Yorkshire does the best fish and chips in the world as far as we’re
concerned, and when you get the urge for them, nothing else will do! So, we’re
very lucky to have such a great fryer just over the road – ideal for picking up
an easy tea on the way home!
If pizza or pasta is more your thing and you fancy a spot of
Italian, next to Scotts is Gepetto’s.
Keeping things fresh and delicious, Gepetto’s is the the place to go for well
executed, authentic Italian cuisine – with an occasional twist. Delicious!
Opposite there is the amazing Traditional Sweet Shop.
Whether it’s bonbons, sugar mice, lollipops or sherbets, get a quarter of your
favourite for while you’re mooching round the town – there’s nothing better!
Porters
Coffee Shop, on Bridge Street, is another amazing café, run by the
wonderful Tony and Monia. We can highly recommend the home-baked scones – and
in the summer months Monia makes the most mouth-watering gelato, which is
heaven in a heatwave!
The Black
Swan Hotel has graced Helmsley’s Market Place for over 500 years, and it’s
definitely one of the prettiest hotels around. Enjoy a G&T in their walled
garden, or a cocktail in the cosy lounge, before savouring one of their special
tasting menus – come with your appetite and prepare to be wowed. Of course all
Brits love their tea too – and there’s nowhere better to enjoy Afternoon Tea
than at the Black Swan’s own tearooms. Again…you may need to skip breakfast to
have room!
The Helmsley Brewing
Co. was a welcome addition to the town just a few years ago. Making their
own amazing beers (some of which are for sale in our shop), like Striding the
Riding and Helmsley Honey, head to the brewery on a Friday night for a pint and
a chat with the locals. How many small towns can offer that?
If you’re after some inspiration for dinner, try Marley’s
Butchers. They rear and produce 90% of their beef and lamb, and poultry and
pork is supplied from local farms. Now we’re entering BBQ season, they’ll be
even more on offer to tempt tastebuds!
Over on Castlegate, Auntie Anne’s Bakery
is a TV star – the shop was the Yorkshire winner of Britain’s Best Bakery on
ITV. As the TV producers found, we can highly recommend the Yorkshire Curd
Tarts and Parkin!
If you’re looking for a cake for a special occasion, head to
the Walled Garden craft units and talk to Rhian at Celebrate Country Cakes.
Her bakes are delicious, and her skills at sugar craft are extraordinary! She
created our 25th
birthday cake for Hunters – a recreation of the shop made entirely out of
cake! We could barely bear to cut into it, it was so stunning (but we did…and
it was scrumptious!)
We’ve barely scratched the surface – there’s the Feathers,
the Feversham, Helmsley Walled Garden, Helmsley Spice, Thomas the Bakers,
Helmsley Wines, The Royal Oak, Ryeburn Ice Cream… and all of these businesses
are within a five minute walk of each other! We’re pretty sure with that line
up, Helmsley can definitely claim the crown as home of good food!
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