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Yemi’s Food Stories: one year of celebrating Yorkshire’s food

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

Yemi’s Food Stories was a year-old last week and it’s a perfect time to reflect on my journey since pitching the idea for a food column.

There have been many highlights over the past year, and I have been privileged to meet amazing chefs and independent food retailers. I have loved dining out and writing about my experiences and enjoyed sharing my recipes and stories.

Readers have been supportive with many of you sending in recommendations of places to go, pointing out the odd mistake and giving feedback that have made me a better writer. Some readers, like Ann Townson, have become friends and others have dropped my name when visiting places to encourage the food retailers.

A fruity entrement made by @babnaspatisserie to celebrate the anniversary milestone

I want to take this moment to appreciate everyone of you for coming along with me on this journey and taking time to read my posts.

After taking part in MasterChefUK 2022 competition, where I finished in the top six as a semi-finalist, I wanted to give back by recognising those behind the scenes of our food and drink: from farmers, producers to retailers by championing their produces, products and events.

More festivals

Despite having lived in Harrogate for over ten years, I never made it to the Great Yorkshire Show until last year when I was covering the event for my food column. This was a brilliant opportunity to meet those I wanted to write about, and I can’t wait to see them again this year and discover new products.

This year, I will be doing a chef demonstration on the main GYS cooking stage and covering the event.

A standout cauliflower dish

I visited many food festivals including the RHS Festival of Flavours, Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripley and Yorkshire Dales where I did food demos and covered the events.

This year I am going further afield to East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Manchester food festivals and Mountainview food and wellness festival at Kilkenny in Ireland so I will be bringing you any fabulous food and product finds.

More experiences

Some of my highlights stand out for reasons over and above the food and drink. For the scenery and scenic drives, the Himalayan Gardens, Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall and Cocoa Joe’s in Boroughbridge were memorable.

For behind the scenes, visiting Rudding Park Kitchen Garden, baking at Bettys Cookery school and spending time with Chef Mehdi Boukemach at Fodders were fun and educational.

A dessert made by Samira Effa of Bar & Restaurant EightyEight

Some places have become the heart of the community where great food, drinks and friendly faces are waiting for you; visiting Folk Coffee House along Leeds Road was fantastic and felt like hanging out at a friend’s place.

More fine dining

For fine dining and exceptional classical cookery, Bar & Restaurant Eighty-Eight at Grantley Hall was a definite highlight for me along with Paradise Café at Daleside nursery, Kendell’s Bistro Leeds and Rhubarb Harrogate. Check out Ake & Humphris along Leeds Road for excellent wine selections and expert advice.

For great experiences and wonderful gifts ideas for your ‘foodies’, Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours, Yolk Farm & Minskip Farm shop and a tour of Ellers Farm Distilleries with a tasting of stunning cocktails are perfect.

Dining at Rhubarb

The Afghan and Syrian kitchen experiences are fantastic values and the perfect way to learn about new cultures and food whilst listening to people’s stories.

I had a fantastic brunch at the Hideaway in Boroughbridge where chef Ben Keightley is delighting the locals who would actually like to keep the place hidden in plain sight – but their secret is out, and we can all enjoy the brunch experience.

More future stars

Meeting cake designer, Kean Ong from Blossom Tree Cake Company was special. From the sublime flavours of cake, the intricate handmade flowers to their timeless and elegant designs, I can see why they are chosen by many couples.

At Harrogate Ladies College

Speaking of future stars, spending the day mentoring some students at Harrogate ladies College was a brilliant experience.

More to come…

There is more to come in this new year, so please get in touch if you want me to check out your restaurant, shop, coffee house, products, produces or events. Keep sending in your recommendations and thank you for your continued support.

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Editor’s Pick of the Week: Tim Stedman returns, a new mayor awaits and Ripon prepares for 1,300 homes

No corner of the Harrogate district has been immune to new housing in recent years but the sheer scale of the 1,300-home Clotherholme development will alter Ripon forever.

Planning approval was passed by a whisker last year. Since then, the government agencies behind the scheme have said little so this week’s planning update contained some key insights.

There are now just five days until North Yorkshire elects its first mayor. Confused? Read senior reporter Calvin Robinson’s article about the main manifesto differences and look for a recap this weekend of his interviews with all six candidates. We will provide live coverage at the count in Harrogate on Friday.

There are 241 days to Christmas, but Harrogate received one of the best possible festive presents this week with the news that Tim Stedman will return to the town for his 24th panto season. Tim is so loved he would have probably been elected mayor if he’d stood — or at least livened up the sometimes tedious hustings.

Contrary to appearance, Tim is well into his 50s and the slapstick tomfoolery of a lengthy panto, often twice a day, must be exhausting. We should treasure him while we can.

Sadly his long-term double act partner Howard Chadwick won’t be back for what is always a seasonal joy, whatever your age.

Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Picture: Bill Boaden.

Finally, there can be few better places to rest for eternity than Pateley Bridge Cemetery. Look at that view. So plans to create hundreds of new plots this week will be welcomed by Nidderdale folk. The plans even cater for new natural burial sites.

Fairfax Wellbeing Hub set for £278,000 upgrade

Fairfax Wellbeing Hub in Harrogate is in line for a major upgrade.

North Yorkshire Council has approved awarding a contract worth £278,397 to Nottingham firm Universal Civils & Build Ltd to refurbish the building.

The hub is run by council-controlled leisure company Brimhams Active. Its main hall is used for sports such as basketball, netball, indoor tennis and badminton.

The venue on Fairfax Avenue also hosts exercise classes.

Stuart Wilmslow, head of operations at Brimhams, said:

“The improvement work will partially remodel the interior of this community centre to provide a new exercise area, accessible toilet, improved reception and office.

“The remodel will allow the centre to increase opportunities for our community. Working with partners, including the NHS, we will be able to increase our delivery of specialist programmes for people living with long term health conditions, in a space that is local, welcoming, and accessible.”

The main hall

Mr Wilmslow added the centre has been running at capacity for several years, adding:

“So the introduction of an additional exercise space will allow us to impact more people, allowing them to manage their condition, living well for longer.”

According to the council’s website, the scheme work on site is expected to begin next month and last three months but Mr Wilmslow said:

“We are waiting for a start date on site.”

Who are North Yorkshire’s mayoral candidates?

Voters will head to the polls in five days time to elect the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Stray Ferret has profiled each of the six candidates vying for the role on May 2.

Each major party is contesting the election, as well as two independents.

Below, you can find each candidate on the ballot paper plus a link to our interview with them.

Keith Tordoff, Independent

Keith Tordoff.

Keith Tordoff is no stranger to the election scene.

The Pateley Bridge businessman stood for North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner twice and has now put his name forward again for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

Initially standing for the Yorkshire Party, Mr Tordoff will once again be contesting the election on May 2 as an independent.

Read more on our interview with Mr Tordoff here.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister

Felciity Cunliffe-Lister has not been in the political arena for long — but she feels she is the strongest candidate to become the first Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The co-owner of the Swinton Estate in Masham is the Liberal Democrat candidate on polling day on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Ms Cunliffe-Lister here.

Kevin Foster, Green Party

Kevin Foster.

The Green Party’s Kevin Foster says he does not see himself as a politician, more of an “ordinary person done good”.

Mr Foster’s background includes serving in the British Army reserves for 30 years before moving into politics.

He will be tasked with winning the mayoral role for the Greens on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Foster here.

Paul Haslam, Independent

Paul Haslam

Bilton resident Paul Haslam believes his extensive business experience stands him in good stead to be Mayor of York and North Yorkshire.

The Bilton and Nidd Gorge councillor was the last of six candidates to throw their hat into the ring to be the inaugural mayor.

Standing as an independent, Mr Haslam has centred his campaign around the economy and emphasised his business experience as his credentials.

Read more on our interview with Mr Haslam here.

David Skaith, Labour

David Skaith

David Skaith is tasked with winning York and North Yorkshire’s mayoral election for Labour on May 2.

The York-based businessman joined the party in 2015 after becoming “fed up” with the way the country was going politically.

Read more on our interview with Mr Skaith here.

Keane Duncan, Conservative

Keane Duncan

Keane Duncan believes he has a “bold ambition” for North Yorkshire.

The 29-year-old candidate for Mayor of York and North Yorkshire is tasked with securing the position for the Conservative Party on May 2.

Read more on our interview with Mr Duncan here.

Gallery: photos of the Stray’s cherry blossom from our readers

Above: Thanks to Anna Chern

Thank you to all who sent in their snaps of the cherry blossom following on from our article last week.

Here’s our latest gallery of photographs that were sent in from our readers.

A few words of advice: enjoy it while it lasts…

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Len Downes

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Read more:

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Thanks to Laura Candelier Vargas

Thanks to Cathy Burrell

Thanks to Lain Crabb

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Police called following concerns over man’s ‘behaviour towards women’ in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police were today called to the Cheltenham Crescent area of Harrogate after members of the public raised concerns about a man’s behaviour.

In a statement issued by the force, police said officers were called to a “disturbance” involving a man whose behaviour was “causing alarm among members of the public, in particular, his behaviour towards women”.

It added:

“The man became aggressive towards officers and was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

“However, he was taken to hospital initially due to concerns about his health and intoxication.”

No further details have been revealed.

‘I’ve never seen smoke like it’ — neighbours react to Harrogate house fire

Neighbours have spoken of their shock at the scale of a fire today that ravaged a home in Harrogate and forced a nearby nursery to evacuate.

Firefighters from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby and Moortown rushed to Avenue Close, off Starbeck High Street, at 9.52am, as reported by the Stray Ferret.

The occupants escaped unhurt but the fire, which is believed to have started in a garage, caused major damage to the two-storey property. However, the fire crews prevented the flames from spreading to an adjoining property.

Firefighters at the scene.

About 60 children from the nursery Nature’s Little Learners, which is also on Avenue Close, were evacuated.

Owner Sam Williams said:

“We followed our fire procedure as soon as we noticed the smoke. The smoke then set off our fire alarm.”

She said everyone had to stay outside for five to 10 minutes until it was deemed safe to return. The nursery had to keep its doors and windows closed to escape the impact of thick smoke.

Lorraine Barnett, who lives in the area, said her three-year-old grandson alerted her to the incident. Ms Barnett added:

“I’ve never seen such big flames. The smoke was up to the roof. Then we heard this loud banging and crashing. Black smoke was coming out for ages.”

Another woman, whose home on High Street is close to the affected property and asked not to be named, said:

“I was in the kitchen and saw the garage was on fire. There was then thick black smoke and flames — it must have happened so quickly. I’ve never seen smoke like it. I called the fire brigade but it had already been alerted by the methodist church.”

Here are two videos taken at the scene, showing the scale of the fire.

Councillors approve late-night outdoor dining at Harrogate restaurant

Councillors approved extending La Feria’s premises licence so the restaurant on Cold Bath Road can serve guests on its outdoor terrace until 11pm.

The new arrangement will be valid between April and September and means diners can now use its outdoor terrace later than 9pm, which was previously allowed.

La Feria, which is the trading name of Whaddya Know? Ltd, had a temporary licence for outdoor seating until 11pm last summer. North Yorkshire Council officer Wan Malachi confirmed to councillors on the licensing sub-committee today that the restaurant received no noise complaints during this period.

However, the application received three objections from residents near to the restaurant with one person saying late-night outdoor dining would “significantly impact our peace and quiet”.

The building was previously a pub for many years and was known as the Old Tradition, the Honest Lawyer and the Iron Duke.

The restaurant offers Spanish cuisine from the Andalusia region and opened on Cold Bath Road in 2016 after moving from a smaller premises on Royal Parade.

During the licensing meeting at Harrogate’s Civic Centre this afternoon (April 26), general manager Sarah Johnson told councillors the restaurant enjoys being part of the Cold Bath Road community and staff ask guests to be respectful when leaving.

Ms Johnson said:

“We are very sensitive to the neighbours and want to live in harmony with everybody on Cold Bath Road.”

Sarah Johnson

She added that regulars have requested the extension until 11pm and the more relaxed hours would help the business grow.

Ms Johnson added:

“We have to politely ask customers to leave by 9pm due to the restrictions. It can be challenging as people would like to stay longer and relax. Were a family-run and friendly restaurant, not a late-night bar or music venue. We’re just trying to extend a later dining experience in the summer for our guests.

“Our regulars say it would be lovely to sit out here a bit longer in the evenings. We survived covid as an independent restaurant so we would just like an opportunity to give staff extra hours and make more money for the business. Our restaurant is a favourite place for people to go.”

This satisfied the three councillors on the committee who approved the premises licence extension.

Harrogate football team set for county cup final this weekend

An under-13 Harrogate football team will go head-to-head with York at a county cup final this weekend.

The Harrogate and Craven School Boys team has made it to the final of the Yorkshire Federation Schools’ Football league against York School Boys.

The squad, made up of 24 boys from across the two districts, was whittled down from hundreds of hopefuls at the initial trials.

The boys were put forward by their school PE teachers at the time and all represent a range of local schools, including Ripon Grammar School, Harrogate High School, Rossett School, King James’ School, Ashville College, St John Fisher’s and St Aidan’s.

They have taken on teams from Scunthorpe, Sheffield, York and more during the campaign.

Now, following victories against Rotherham and Wakefield, the U13s will compete in the final at Bridlington Town this Saturday.

Manager Andrew Pears said some of the players have “been signed” or are currently in talks with “a number of professional football clubs”, including Hull City, Bradford City and Huddersfield Town.

He added:

“With a focus on developing young talent and fostering a love for the game, the team is dedicated to honing their football abilities, whilst also emphasising the importance of academic excellence and good sportsmanship.

“Coached by experienced mentors, the players are provided with the guidance and support necessary to excel both on and off the field.

“Throughout the season, the team competes in various tournaments and matches, showcasing their abilities and representing their districts with pride. Their dedication and passion for the sport serve as an inspiration to their peers and a source of pride for the Harrogate and Craven communities.”

Mr Pears also said players who have represented the district at a competitive level will be presented with honour caps at the team’s awards night in May.

Harrogate and Craven School Boys U13s will play York School Boys in the league cup final on Saturday, April 27. Kick-off is at 12.30pm.

Firefighters battle major house fire in Starbeck

Fire has caused widespread damage to a house and garage in Starbeck this morning.

The blaze is believed to have started in the garage of the property on Avenue Close, off High Street.

Crews from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Wetherby and Moortown, along with the aerial ladder platform from Harrogate, battled the fire.

Harrogate watch manager Nev Scott said crews were mobilised at 9.52am to what he described as a “significant fire”.

Mr Scott said:

“The fire has significantly affected one two-storey property, and there is smoke damage to a neighbouring property.

“The work of the crews has prevented the fire spreading to an adjacent property. Crews will continue to work through the day to dampen the fire and mitigate any further damage.”

He added the occupants had got out of the property by the time firefighters arrived at the scene, and no-one injured. An investigation into the cause us ongoing.

The burnt wreckage of the garage.

A statement by North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said:

“Fire crews were called at around 9:50 this morning to reports of a house fire on Avenue Close in Harrogate.

Crews have been working to fight the fire and stop it spreading to a second property.”

Firefighters at the scene of a house fire in Starbeck.

Paramedics and police were also at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement:

“Police are assisting North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a fire at a residential property on Avenue Close in Harrogate.

“The incident was reported at 10.17am.”

Photo of smoke billowing from a window in the fire-damaged roof of a house in Starbeck.

Smoke billows from the roof of the fire-damaged roof.