Bettys

Founded by a Swiss baker, and now a Yorkshire icon, we explore the delicious history of Bettys

Although there’s no arguing the importance of stockings above the fireplace or a glittering tree laden with decorations, Christmas just wouldn’t be the event that it is without an abundance of festive delicacies. Whether crumbly mince pies stu ed with plump fruit, or elegant boxes of festive chocolates, Bettys of Yorkshire has been baking and selling mouth-watering treats for nearly 100 years – although the identity of the original ‘Betty’ still remains a mystery…

In 1907, Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont came to the UK, and in 1919, he opened his first cafe in Harrogate. It was so successful (taking £30 on the first day of trade), that Belmont went on to open several other branches across Yorkshire, including a swish tea room in York inspired by the interiors of the Queen Mary cruise liner. After several years of cake-based triumphs, Bettys merged with luxury tea and co ee company, Taylors, which went on to supply the tea rooms with delicious blends. Now Bettys is an international brand, with several cafes in the North East and a prestigious cookery school to its name. Not to mention, some of the best mince pies in the business! * 0800 456 1919; bettys.co.uk

TOP The famous Bettys tea room in Harrogate BELOW LEFT The interior of Belmont’s rst cafe at 9 Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate BELOW RIGHT A c1923 advert for Bettys ‘Full Strength Liqueur Chocolates’