I’m a York girl through & through. Growing up in such a beautiful city, with so much culture, history and landscape is something I am forever grateful for. Ask me where I spent my summers as a teenager, the answer would be York Museum Gardens, that would be anyone’s answer. Where were you guaranteed that everyone would meet before they went for a trawl around town and the resounding answer would be York fountain (I can’t believe that they are demolishing it soon?) and hey, where did I get my first pair of baggy, pink cords. Hello, Forever Changes, DUH. The little emo/punk rock kid in me is squealing inside remembering all those great memories. But the one thing that is synonymous with York, both for those young & old is the iconic Betty’s Tearoom. Every weekend we would see streams of tourists snaking round the building on St.Helen’s Square & it was no different on this foggy Saturday morning. I was asked to come along and sample the Lady Betty’s Afternoon Tea in the Belmont Room & give my verdict on this famous York delicacy.
This was going to be the year my sister & I spoilt our Mum spoilt rotten for her birthday. It passed with the blink of any eye last year with my granddad being in hospital so it was time to celebrate, albeit a year late (& another year older!) So off we pottered in to York on a brisk, January day. We laughed and giggled and pondered wondering how long it would take for us to get in to Betty’s. For those who don’t know this delicate, Yorkshire privilege is that there is normally a trail of winding around the tall, grand windows of Betty’s as far as the eye can see to eat a Fat Rascal or macaroon. But boy, is it worth it! We only queued for 15 minutes or so & once we got inside we were met with warmth and the decadent smell of coffee beans and all things sweet.
We were taken downstairs to another room & immediately my sister & I piped ”I feel like I’m on the Titanic” & it really did feel like we had time travelled back to 1912. The wood panelling and the boozy, dim lights made it feel more intimate than the large room upstairs with tourists staring at you. Of course, upon handed the menu’s we all opted for the afternoon tea. I, of course, went for a glass of champagne (as one does!) And what a feat we had. The delicate little sandwiches were just divine, I could have eaten a mountain of the smoked salmon sandwiches & I think my sister would have joined me in that too. A scone with jam & clotted cream was next on the agenda. By this time I was nearly bursting at the seams but it was my mission to tackle the ”third course” of a selection from the patisserie stand. A fruit tart, a decadent chocolate cake & an almond macaroon, all of which were yummy in their own special way. We sipped team laughed & giggled some more. I felt so happy in that moment spending time with the dearest woman in my life, Mum, Nana & Jessica. We vowed we needed to do this more often!
No visit to Betty’s is complete without having a little wander round the shop upstairs. I was desperate for some chocolate macaroons which were so amazing, they just melt in your mouth. I also, picked up a cute little chocolate heart to take back for Mr C, yes, it may sound cute but of course I made him share it.
Did you have a lovely weekend too? Have you been to Bettys, if so what was your favourite sweet treat?
Rebecca xxx
I had the pleasure of an all-expenses paid meal at Pizza Express the other week. We set to a busy, festive York to sample their brand new Christmas menu & boy was I looking forward to it. Christmas & food in one sentence is just too much for little old me, I might pop with excitement.
We ventured to the Museum Street branch, which is just across Lendall Bridge & opposite the Museum gardens. Being right on the river sets a nice atmosphere too. It was bustling with people when we arrived so we were shown to some comfy seats where we could peruse the menu’s. I have to say everything sounded delicious & I was struggling to choose. As the building is so old it still has all it’s glamorous high ceilings and detailing which is just exactly what I love about York.
Our host for the evening was a jolly girl who made up for some entertainment, Hollie. She clearly enjoyed what she was doing & it shone through. When pronounced with two glasses of prosecco (my favourite!) she was quick to advise what dishes were delicious. I opted for the Pork & Pancetta Croquettes (For those who don’t know what that is: Pulled pork belly, pancetta, cheddar and basil croquettes breaded and baked, served with a spiced arrabbiata sauce. ALL THE NOMS.) Mr C was rather dull, which is unlike him, and chose cheesy garlic bread (I don’t think anyone needs a description here & if you do, walk away slowly!)
I was quite hungry so my starter went down an absolute treat. Everything was so tasty leaving me wanting maybe an extra croquette to put me on till our main meal. But, alas I did not have to fear as it only took ten minutes or so between courses. Now, I’m not a huge fan of pizza’s when at a restaurant. I find them messy & awkward but in the namesake place of pizza, I had to indulge. Of course, I went for a new, Christmas pizza that they had just launched; Anatra Romana which was pulled duck, shredded courgette, red onion and mozzarella on a light plum hoisin sauce finished with rocket and fresh spring onion. I think I have an obsession with any pulled meat. Mr C being an avid heat tester went for Pizza Express’ hottest pizza on the menu, Francesco Mazzei Calabrese. This had all manners of cured meat and spicy chilli’s on it. It’s safe to say he was impressed. It was a good 8/10 for him & I quote ”The best pizza I have had in restaurant EVER.” That is a mean fete! Mine was lovely, albeit a little sweet, but all the same the rocket on top mixed with the duck was just lovely! I’d have no qualms in recommending it at all.
Now, to say I was looking forward to the deserts was an understatement. I don’t know if any of you have been to Pizza Express before but, their desert menu is something to behold. I wanted to ask if we could have a sharing plate & try them all, but my waist cracked & decided against it. We were terribly cliche and both went for the same thing, Chocolate Tartufo. This is a moist chocolate sponge topped with a crispy waffle praline and rich Belgian dark chocolate with a praline mousse centre. Boy, did that sound good and was highly recommended by our waitress! Third glass of prosecco down I managed to get two thirds of the way through it, but my, was it good. Very sweet & intense so I’d recommend a glass of water when drinking it which is probably why I was defeated by it in the end!
For £19.95 per person to enjoy a three course meal with a glass of prosecco is great value for money and you aren’t skimping in quantity OR quality. I must say I am now thoroughly a pizza fan!
Rebecca xxx
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