Going out for lunch really could be considered a national pastime, but with so many options it can be hard to branch out and try somewhere new.
In January, the Stray Ferret revealed there’s at least 40 places serving coffee alongside cakes, pastries and light lunches in the centre of Harrogate – and that’s not to mention Knaresborough, Ripon and everywhere in between.
If you’re looking for a place with a bit of a difference, the Stray Ferret has compiled a list of some quirky Yorkshire cafés ready to be discovered.
Falling Foss Tea Garden – Whitby
(Image: Falling Foss Tea Garden)
Nestled in the heart of ancient Sneaton Forest, Midge Hall had been derelict for over 50 years before being transformed into the thriving tearoom it is today.
Offering a rustic, al fresco lunch spot with stunning views of Falling Foss waterfall, the menu boasts homemade and locally sourced treats such as sandwiches, cakes, scones, and speciality coffees.
Seasonal opening times are dictated by the elements – so make sure you check the website before setting off on one of the many woodland routes that lead to the waterfall.
The nearest car park is the Forestry Commission Car Park at Falling Foss which is free – but very popular in the summer months.
Falling Foss Tea Garden is located at Midge Hall, Falling Foss, Whitby, YO22 5JD.
The Winehouse Café – Nun Monkton
The Winehouse Café (Image: Yorkshire Heart)
No, you haven’t crossed the channel to France – you might be surprised to learn that there’s actually a vineyard off the A59, between York and Harrogate.
Yorkshire Heart is a family-run vineyard and winery, overlooking the countryside surrounding Nun Monkton. Customers can enjoy panoramic views of the vineyard, or on warmer days sit amongst the vines themselves to have a bite to eat.
The café itself serves hot drinks, light lunch options such as sharing platters and sandwiches, an assortment of cakes, and a wide range of beers and wines.
Yorkshire Heart also offer afternoon tea packages, vineyard tours and even on-site glamping for those looking for a unique place to stay.
The Winehouse Café is located at The Vineyard, Pool Lane, Nun Monkton, YO26 8EL.
Gatehouse Coffee – York
(Image: Pixabay)
You’re certainly surrounded by history in York, but never more so than when enjoying a cake or a coffee in one of the medieval gatehouses of the city walls.
Despite being part of one of the city’s main tourist attractions, the Gatehouse Coffee is something of a hidden gem, tucked away behind a thick wooden door, up a stone flight of stairs.
Once inside, customers can enjoy a selection of hot and cold drinks, cakes, and toasties, in a relaxed and cosy environment.
On sunny days, you can even venture out onto the rooftop terrace for spectacular views across the historic walls.
Gatehouse Coffee is located at Walmgate Bar, Walmgate, York YO10 2UB.
High Paradise Farm – Sutton Bank, Thirsk
A view across Sutton Bank
Accessible only by foot, bike or horse, High Paradise Farm certainly makes a case for being one of the most remote cafés in North Yorkshire, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a visit.
With a large outside seating area that customers can enjoy the North York Moors scenery from, it’s a well-known pit stop for walkers and cyclists attempting one of the Sutton Bank bike routes.
The tearoom prides itself on serving locally sourced food – so local in fact, much of its produce is taken directly from the farm.
However due to its isolated location High Paradise Farm opens seasonally, so it’s definitely worth checking beforehand to avoid disappointment.
The tearoom at High Paradise Farm is located in Boltby, Thirsk, YO7 2HT.
The Stripey Badger – Grassington
(Image: The Stripey Badger)
The picturesque village of Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales plays host to The Stripey Badger, an award-winning café and bookshop all rolled into one.
Well-known for an array of breakfast options, homemade cakes, traditional cream teas and its very own rarebit recipe, customers can pop next door afterwards to peruse the books.
If you think the shopfront looks familiar there might be a reason – in the 2020 reboot of All Creatures Great & Small the shop was transformed into grocers G.F Endleby.
The Stripey Badger is located at 7 The Square, Grassington, BD23 5AQ.
Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Room – Knaresborough
Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms
Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms is a themed café located in Knaresborough, bringing a touch of vintage charm to the historic waterside town.
The décor is an eclectic mix of eras, with a 60s and 70s theme upstairs, and a 1940s feel to the downstairs area.
Known especially for its vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, the menu boasts sandwiches, soups and a large range of cakes – all served on vintage crockery.
Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Room is located at 3a Green Dragon Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AU.
The Wild Plum – Harrogate
The Wild Plum (Image: Ben Bentley)
Homed above boutique dress shop Snooty Frox which is located opposite Oatlands Play Fields, being further out from the town centre hasn’t done The Wild Plum any disadvantages.
The shop staff have to call up to the café to make sure there’s a seat available, and on weekends, it can be so popular that the queue often snakes out of the front door.
Once seated, customers can expect to tuck into a frequently rotating seasonal menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch options, with ingredients sourced from local suppliers but inspired by dishes from around the world.
The Wild Plum is located at 34-36 Hookstone Road, Harrogate HG2 8BW.
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