Take afternoon tea at Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Before we go any further, we’d just like to clear up one thing: Bettys Tea Rooms weren’t started by a lady called Betty – but a Swiss confectioner called Frederick. Let’s face it, though: the real reason you’ll want to come here is the signature sweet treats – whether that’s Bettys’ famous Grand Cru Chocolate Torte, Yorkshire Fat Rascal scones, or one of the 300 other cakes, chocolates and breads on offer. There are also 50 different beverages to choose from, including varieties from Bettys’ sister company, Yorkshire Tea.

The original Bettys opened in Harrogate in 1919. There are now six Bettys, but this York branch enchants with its Art Deco flair, huge curved windows and elegant wood panelling. Craftsmen who worked on luxury 1920s cruise liners designed the decor, and it shows. Bettys is located on St Helen’s Square in central York, which is 3 hours’ train journey north of London.

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