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Travellers' Choice2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
Cafe, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
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meals, features
Reviews (7,848)
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Traveller rating
4,579
1,757
927
326
176
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All reviews scones cake sandwich bread imperial room pianist playing visited betty's fat rascals an institution lovely experience worth the wait birthday treat special occasion harlow carr queue york silver
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Reviewed yesterday

You can't go to Harrogate (or York) without calling at Betty's shop to load up with of some of the delicious cakes and pastries they make. The thought of forgoing the unbelievable vanilla slice in particular sends me cold. However my experience yesterday sours it...all for me. There is always a queue - even a queue to get in the shop at busy times - it's that popular. But yesterday I was completing my purchases having spent about £50 on cakes when an elderly lady tried to pay for a £6 box of shortbread and was told firmly she had to go to the back of the queue. *Even though* she explained she'd *already* queued to get in. Instead of going straight to the counter she'd been browsing the shop and when she went to pay - in all good faith thinking she'd queued to get in and was a respected customer entitled to pay for her item - she was sent to the back of the queue, which by this time had built up behind us and was certainly at the door if not actally stretching out the door. I was shocked and livid so paid for her shortbread so she wouldn't have to queue *again* but the rigid callous arrogant attitude towards this lady horrified me! If Betty's can't handle its own popularity - and its queue - and if they can't respect customers who've already queued to get in to spend their money in the shop, then they have failed abysmally in their customer service. Worse though, if they are comfortable treating older and less mobile customers in such a cruel, inflexible and humiliating manner then theirs is a shop I would prefer to stay away from no matter how painful it will be to forego the vanilla slices. Shame on you Betty's.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

This was booked as part of our relaxing long weekend. The decor was lovely - if you have booked your afternoon tea in the imperial room, you do NOT need to queue up. You just go straight up the stairs and wait to be seated....The staff was extremely attentive, but to be honest I don’t really like all of the creams that was part of the sandwich’s so when I ordered my second lot of sandwiches I asked for them to come out without the cream on it. Ann was very knowledgeable and took time to talk to my husband and I towards the end of our time here. There is a lovely relaxing atmosphere and the piano playing in the background was a lovely touch. We returned here on the way home to purchase some cakes and the staff in the shop were so kind and wished us a safe journey home. What a lovely experience, I just wish we lived closer as we definitely would be regular visitors.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 5 days ago

I recently visited Harrogate and had the pleasure of experiencing Betty's for the first time. I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of their Afternoon Tea. The sandwiches were fresh, and we were free to ask for more tea and sandwiches...as much as we wanted. I was particularly fond of their Cylon tea, which was a great hit with me. As I do not consume uncooked alcohol, I informed the staff, and they were kind enough to replace the sandwiches and cake with suitable alternatives. To my surprise, the manager even chose my favourite cake, sticky toffee. I would like to extend my compliments to the chefs and staff for their excellent service.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile

My wife and I have just returned from Bettys in Harrogate. We had a great afternoon tea. We tried three different teas and loved the sandwiches, cream scones and cakes. The staff were brilliant and James had time to chat to us. We enjoyed Andrew...on the piano, and he played a request for us. We even bought things to take home from the shop afterwards! Well worth coming over from Liverpool for!More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 1 week ago

Betty’s is always a lovely treat, but I especially love Betty’s Harrogate. The atmosphere is relaxed, the staff are friendly and the food is delicious. They cater for coeliacs and the gluten free Yorkshire rarebit, carrot Gugelhupf and Swiss Chocolate Torte are all divine. Betty’s...tea blend is exceptional.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 1 week ago

I have been here many times and it rarely disappoints. Yesterday we relly enjoyed our food and drinks. The service was impeccable and the whole place is spotless. The prices are on the high side but worth it for a delightful experience all round. Can’t...wait to go again.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 1 week ago

we of course had to queue, only abot 15 mins to get in and enjoyed a chat in the queue to a nice local gentleman to pass the time, and were warmly greeted and shown to a table in the cellar rooms that had just...opened, decorated with exquisite wood panelling. the food and drink was very nice and service quick although they were busy. The gents confused me because there's no urinals, and i had to have a double-take at the door sign just to be sure I was in the correct one, however these were very well maintaned and almost beautiful.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

We have been to Betty’s tearoom before for breakfast. No queue and a good seat at the window to watch the world go by. Service is great. The staff are so professional, their uniforms are smart and they are all very friendly and efficient. We...enjoyed the lovely silver service and the tea was excellent. I had the muesli which was delicious. My husband enjoyed his traditional breakfast. We also bought some cakes to take away. Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. It is pricey but a treat. I highly recommend!More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Somewhat disappointed. The waitress was very friendly and efficient. Did not have to queue and had a nice table with a view. We ordered two lattes and two scones, one of which was gluten free. The two coffees arrived first but unfortunately we had to...wait several minutes for the scones which meant we had drank half our coffees and the rest was rapidly cooling. The scones turned up and the gluten free one was cold, hard, small and tasted stale. Had better ones from a supermarket. Would not recommend. Overpriced.More

Date of visit: March 2024
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile

Six of us went for afternoon tea. Queued outside, but quickly went in. Shown to a table downstairs. The room was lovingly decorated with pictures from the surrounding area. The staff were impeccably turned out and very polite. All of which creates a special ambiance....The variety of teas is exceptional and the cakes and pastries delicious. A very enjoyable time. Worth returning to.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Decided to try out the Imperial breakfast. It was delightful. So lovely also to see the staff in their pristine uniforms. Breakfast was lovely, a real treat

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Started visiting Betty’s 40 years ago and after many meals there can’t remember ever having anything to criticise They even accommodate you efficiently when queuing outside and staff are beautifully trained to look after you The food /teas and coffee are second to none and...great value considering the impeccably high standards Thank you Betty’sMore

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Whilst staying in Harrogate for the weekend, the wife and I booked for afternoon tea at Betty's. We booked for the imperial tea room upstairs. It was absolutely lovely, the surroundings were beautiful, spotlessly clean and everything impeccably presented. The staff were smart, friendly and...courteous. The piano being played in the background was a nice touch. We had ordered afternoon tea and chose our tea from the list, I chose Rwandan tea whilst the wife chose the tea room blend. Both were very nice. The afternoon tea itself was delicious, the bonus being extra sandwiches were free of charge, the sandwiches were small as they should be, I see people moaning about the size of them, this is afternoon tea and not a doorstep butty from a greasy spoon, ( not that's owt wrong with a greasy spoon doorstep butty) The fillings were delicious, the cakes equally as delicious, and the orange scone was a delight. Is it expensive? Yes, it is, is it worth it in my opinion Yes , it was a lovely treat. I'm not sure some of the reviewers understand the concept of what afternoon tea actually is.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Not such a fabulous experience as before it seems to have lost its sparkle. Still expensive but not sure now I would pay the extra now.

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago

We had an afternoon visit on a Monday when there was no queues. We were seated quickly and given menus. The tea room and staff are very reminiscent of a tearoom from years ago and is very popular with queues at the weekends. My other...half was keen on the afternoon tea option and I went for the vegetarian seasonal quiche with salad. The order arrived reasonably quickly and I found no wow factor with either my salad or the quiche, it was just ok. My partner felt the same about her afternoon tea, nicely served and presented with a handful of tiny bits of sandwiches, a scone with cream and jam, three small cakes and a pot of tea. I get all the arguments re overheads, costs and staffing but I wasn’t wowed for the money and it’s not cheap.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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Questions & Answers
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W5375NZcharlottew
18 February 2023|
AnswerShow all 4 answers
Response from Kathryn G | Reviewed this property |
It is hard to say. My husband and I were lucky enough to be walking past at the right time and we were in within five minutes. At another Betty’s I’ve stood outside for 29-25 minutes. I’d advise you to walk past around 12... More
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BETTYS CAFE TEA ROOMS - HARROGATE - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu, Prices, & Reservations - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - Harrogate

Yes, Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - Harrogate offers takeaway services.

Yes, Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - Harrogate is taking precautions against COVID-19. A full list is available within the "safety precautions" section of this page.

Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - Harrogate is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 4