Bettys Café Tea Rooms

What an amazing place. The staff are so friendly, the atmosphere really relaxing even though it gets super busy. But with no booking we only waited max ten minutes before getting a table. The festive afternoon tea was beautiful, and couldn’t even finish. Ended up having the sweet treats to take out (which I ended up giving to a homeless chap on the street as he was hungry). Love this place, and definitely will be back.

Festive afternoon tea was delicious, good portion and presentable. Imperial room is good and love the set up and atmosphere. Staff were all super friendly and attentive. James, was friendly and welcoming, super friendly and kind, always with a smile and attention to detail!!! The shop is also lovely offering lots of options for gifting.

What a joy! We opted for the room with the beautifully played piano and the champagne tea. It was, after all a big treat. Utterly lovely waitress and delicious sandwiches ( we were offered as many more as we wanted) scones jam and cream, then beautiful little patisserie all served on pretty cake stand. As much tea, coffee etc as you wish. Ive never had an afternoon tea before so the bar is now very high!!

My wife having ordered online previously and seen the shop when last in Harrogate over 3 years ago had suggested we go in. Whilst an orderly queue was formed outside, we patiently waited for about 5 - 10 mins. Inside we were seated and served by attentive and professional staff. Ok, so we only had sandwiches, hot chocolate and gooey fat rascals - they were by far some of the nicest we have had.

Queued around 20 mins to get in. Queue combers bring menus and a few little tasters from the shop which was nice. We got in and were given a table right in the window with peoples bottoms for eyes on us at all times. Maybe some privacy screening might be an idea. We were quite uncomfortable but staff were unable to help. The food and drink was nice, no complaints about quality and the price isn’t too bad considering. Staff are professional but rushed off their feet. Can’t help feeling they have jammed as many tables in as physically possible and you’re really paying for the name of Betty’s. The prices in the shop were extortionate. Won’t be rushing back. The location js ideal though with parking nearby and lots to do locally.

Our friend who lived in Harrogate for years suggested we go to Betty's for tea and it didn't disappoint! There was a line outside but it moved quite fast and we were seated within ten minutes. I got the club sandwich and my husband got the afternoon tea. Everything was yummy and looked fantastic! The service was stellar and the decor was very nice inside. We really enjoyed the afternoon there! I would highly recommend it.

A must visit when you are in Harrogate even if you need to queue. The wait is not long. Betty's has a very cosy ambience. The menu is extensive and makes you want to try many dishes. We decided on the English breakfast including the vegan option. Accompanied by a pot each of Betty's tea blend and Breakfast tea. The desserts were yummy too (Engadine Torte and the Fruit Tart).

great service from our waiters james and karen, with great food and a lovely relaxing atmosphere! very knowledgeable about recommending teas as well. we went for afternoon tea and one of our party didn’t eat pork, so they made a seperate lunch with more sandwiches to replace the pork ones.

A beautiful tearoom, I'm partial to the York location but Harrogate is lovely too. This is an English tea to die for, but the menu has fantastic choices and I swear all of them tasty. The staff are so friendly and with crisp clean uniforms they bring a touch of nostalgia. If you have the chance this is a must visit, or grab some cakes to take home and nibble on.

Make a reservation! The waiting queue is long. Very delicious teas and wonderful treats

Betty's Cafe Tea Room is a lovely place with a cozy atmosphere and incredible service. The staff and servers were incredibly friendly and the service was very prompt. They are very good with recommendations and offer a good amount of customization options for their menu items as well (such as offering lemon curd for scones) meaning there really is something for everyone here. As long as you get there before the line gets too long (or make a reservation ahead of time) then there is really no possible way to go wrong with this amazing place. Just a heads up to any travelers visiting here from outside of the UK, it doesn't appear that the cafe offers free Wi-Fi although there is cel phone reception for roaming data inside the building, even in its lower level seating room.

Betty's Cafe in Harrogate has become more of a local landmark in Harrogate, and it was on my list of places to see on my trip to the town. I do find the prices are very high, especially for the area, it feels like something you'd expect to pay in London, not North Yorkshire, but I guess Betty's brand and history, with this Cafe dating back to 1919 has something which makes them feel they can charge what they do. The menu selection mainly consists of Afternoon Tea and some rosti-based dishes. The staff were smartly dressed and all very friendly, they also didn't mind me coming in for food, close to when they were due to close the dining area. At the time of writing (November 2022), the restaurant appears to close at 5 pm, with the adjacent Shop remaining open for a further hour until 6 pm. I ordered a gluten-free Yorkshire Chicken sandwich, with a side of chips, I was impressed to see them offer a gluten-free menu alongside the regular menu with many of the same, or similar options being able to be made gluten-free. I was impressed with the quality of my food, the gluten-free bread was actually quite nice and tasted fresh, and a generous dollop of mayonnaise meant there was flavour, and it wasn't dry. The chicken and lettuce also were good, it's a simple dish that was executed very well, which sometimes is just what the doctor ordered. I was not a fan of the pickle and cabbage salad which was served as a side with my sandwich, it was clumped together and didn't seem to go well with the rest of the food, sadly. I did find the sandwich selection to be a little basic, it would have been nice to see them offer the sandwiches from the Afternoon Tea selection as a standalone offer, for someone who just wanted a light lunch. They have tried to keep the interior very formal and fancy with some historic aspects dating back to their legacy from 1919. I do find the portion size of the sandwich to be a little small though, as they cut it into quarters. On the other hand, my side of chips was enough for two people! The chips also were cooked and seasoned well. 4* - Betty's Cafe is an attraction in its' own right in Harrogate, yes it may be a little pricey, and there always seems to be a queue to get in during the afternoon, but offering a unique experience with good service.

This tea room is over a hundred years old. This is the main attraction of Harrogate. Across multiple floors, serving tea, scones, sandwiches and hot food. The afternoon tea is good, but a bit expensive for what it is. Although in a London hotel it would be a lot more. The sandwiches are quite small. I liked the salad, the cakes are good, the chocolate cube is so heavy. The clotted cream is very good. We came here because we saw about it on tv and it's like a Yorkshire institution. There is a line out the door, but it moves fast. It's a relaxing tea room. I would come again.

We ate at Bettys in York and really wanted to visit the original that is located here. If you come to Yorkshire on holiday, then this is one of the top five things you should do. Bettys has been in the same location for 100 years. We each ordered tea, the "afternoon tea" platter and an extra desert. Although the food was good, the experience was even better. Expect to wait to get in unless you arrive at an off hour.

Betty's is one of the most famous tea shops in all of Yorkshire. And being that Harrogate is my boyfriend's hometown, indulging in afternoon "high tea" whilst visiting was a no brainer. :) We decided on Betty's Traditional Tea with pink champagne. This comes with 2 glasses of sparkling rosé, accompanied by a 3-tier tea stand complete with scones (clotted cream & strawberry preserves), 4 types of finger sandwiches (smoked salmon, chicken, roasted ham & egg salad), and 3 types of pastries (Parisian macarons, fruit tartlets and rich chocolate cake slices). All very tasty. The tea was by far the best part of this experience. Served in traditional silver tea pots, it was a "pour your own tea" style. with a strainer and mini pot of milk and sugar cubes for prepping your tea exactly how you like it. 3 cups each later and all the sandwiches and cakes gone we were more than full! Great experience if you are in Harrogate - especially for the most amazing tea!!!

Betty's is an institution. This is actually the very first Betty's (built in 1919) and I'm sure it's probably the lovliest. This past spring, when I was in Harrogate visiting my sister- in- law's family, I was lucky enough to come here a few times- once for browsing, and once for tea. We were seated in the downstairs area and promptly brought all sorts of fun biscuits and some lovely tea. This is a traditional tea house and I'm told that on the weekends it gets very VERY busy, as their breakfast is supposed to be superb. I cannot vouch for the meals, but I will say that the tea, the biscuits, and their fruitcake is lovely. Oh, and their window displays are fantastic. The holidays bring all sorts fun chocolates and cookies worthy of a good fogging up of the glass, if you ask me.

Betty's cafe was Impeccable, luxurious surroundings and extremely polite service. The Betty's afternoon tea menu was unexpected and a delight to have. You will not be disappointed!

Maybe I'm odd, but the only thing I ever objected to are the queues; I don't like waiting in line when I'm hungry... especially at Betty's because the only time to go is when one is only slightly hungry. Waiting too long tends to build a manly hunger. The portions are on the small side and not likely to satisfy a manly hunger. The prices aren't cheap but that never bothered me much. Pastry is very good: Yorkshire curd tart, but especially the Fat Rascals.

So MAJOR MiXED feelings! First off I's say they have AMAZING desserts and cakes and scones and you should deffinatly get some dessert and tea there. They tea selections are wonderful too! ( as a tearoom should be!) I had a marzipan cake that liked like a mini collliy flower, it was DELICIOUS! I also had a little fancy fondant that was amazing! Wish I had got more! We also got a slice of the chocolate raspberry cake that had a choice ganauche that was so rich and yummy! I got a Yorkshire fat rascal which is like a cross of a bun and a scone ( they said) it was delicious with a hint of orange zest! ( we didn't eat everything at once) So my reason for only giving it 4 stars was out Lunch. I'd say WAY over priced and not even good. we got sandwiches... and literally on sight of their delivery to our table i was disappointed . They are cut up like they were on a afternoon tea... except that was it 4 little triangles with chicken salad on it.. no side lettuce, nothing to even try and make it look more applying.. THEN the chicken salad itself wasn't even good... a TESCO pre made chicken salad sandwich would have been comparable and way cheaper. Some of the other guests entries looked nicer but were also above £10. I WILL NEVER eat savoury food there as it was MEH at best. This place had three "space", kind of like rooms, one was the "main" which you could order things off a different menu then the "cafe" their desserts. The main were mostly cream based and not their famous baked things. So forget the main room. The cafe had a different menu and I THINK you could get the baked pastries in there.. We got our pastries fro the 'bakery' which was more of a togo space.. but since the tea was so good make sure you try and hit up the cafe and the bakery in some way! Just don't worry about getting savoury foods ;) But it still gets 4 stars because the TEA's and cakes were amazing and really thats what a tea room is all about! But don't get their afternoon tea... better to just chose a bunch of different desserts to get to go with your tea!

Betty's is one of the mainstays of Harrogate's attractions. from the outside it is architecturally impressive. maybe the day was too sunny, attracting too many visitors, but the queue to get in lasted half an hour. once in we were shoehorned in. you may have gathered by now that I am not a great fan. I had looked at the menu before I went in, but £7.50 is ridiculous for a pot of tea and a scone.

Popped into Betty's by chance on my birthday. It was pouring with rain and the wind was battering Harrogate, and yet this place was packed with patrons. We were given a booth table in the restaurant area and were served by a lovely young waiter who was more than happy to answer all our questions and offer alternatives to our various dietary needs. The decor is marvellous, the large windows offer a great view and the general buzz gives this place a great atmosphere. The chips were amazing! I have to say this. We ordered them on a whim to accompany our dainty little crusts-off sandwiches and they were perfectly golden and crispy. My spiced hot chocolate was delcious and the dessert of brown bread ice cream was fantastic. It is a little on the expensive side, but worth it for a treat. Recommended if you have a few pennies. Just wish I could afford the confectionery from the bakery.

If you want a brew and home made cakes, this is the place to go while Harrogate. Slightly over priced, but a treat to one self.

Afternoon tea at Betty's is a key part of the Harrogate experience. It was nice but quite expensive for a fairly small amount of food. I had to wait for a table, which was not great, and I have had better scones, but overall this upmarket tea rooms is a pleasure to eat in.

Food is delicious & the pots of tea! The staff are always absolute gems, really polite and attentive.

Bettys Cafe is a must in Harrogate, though it will mean queing it is well worth it The food is delicious! The menu ranges from sandwiches and cakes, to omlettes and milkshakes and toasties to Haddock with chips. I had the croque monsiuer with chips and a chocolate milkshake which was about £11-£12 but really enjoyed the experience of a true english tea room! If you dont have time for lunch the shop sells lots of nice cakes, breads, coffee, chocolate etc so you can buy something to take away with you.

I have been to Betty's many times over the years. I always find the sandwiches and other items to be good and love the fat rascal. I really like this location and always try to stop when in town. The staff is always great and the service is very attentive. You never seemed rushed to move on even though they always seem busy. Great place to relaxed and have a proper tea.

Betty's is shite. Full of Americans who think the place is 'quaint' and rude little old ladies who will run over your feet with their walkers; this place is overpriced and the food and tea is sub-par. Avoid this tourist trap at all costs.

Bettys Cafe is the original establishment of the chain and somewhat of a local landmark. On our second visit, we didn't have to queue very long, as we only wanted coffees and pastries. Ten minutes later though, the queue was out onto the pavement! Bettys is a seriously popular place, nationally famous, so be prepared to queue! There are two main areas to eat in Bettys, a restaurant type area with an interesting and varied menu, and a coffee shop that sells mainly patisseries and hot drinks. We opted for the coffee shop, ornate marble tables and comfortable chairs make you feel you are in a special place. The food and drinks were on the whole expensive, but this time definitely worth it, the Montpelier blend coffee was luxuriant and the small selection of pastries to share were just right, the fresh fruit on them was delightful. The restaurant area is fabulously opulent, but required a longer wait in the queue. One special mention has to go to the toilets, probably the nicest I've ever been in! Bettys also has a fascinating shop selling homemade bread, cakes, exotic sounding coffee and tea, and at the time we visited, I thought there was an easter egg shaped like a grenade, until my wife pointed out that was not the case, it was made from Grenada chocolate, must get my glasses checked! Again inordinately expensive, but visiting Bettys was an experience!

If there is one place you need to visit in Harrogate this is it. Betty's is an institution in Yorkshire. I've been to York and Harlow Carr but Harrogate is my favourite - and it's recently been extended so you've got a better chance of avoiding a queue. You will never have tea like it - Betty's Tearoom Blend is the way to go - and I can certainly recommend the Fat Yorkshire Rascal (served warm with butter) which is like a rock cake but better. The staff are fine Yorkshire people (makes me proud to have a mother from Leeds!) and the surroundings are delightful. We always pop to the shop afterwards to get some Yorkshire Curd Tart (mum calls it Yorkshire Turd Cart - what can I say? She's from Leeds) and a box of Betty's tea. You MUST try it.

In my opinion I think the drinks are perfect but the cakes are either mushy or hard so do what you do with that.

I only popped in to look for gifts here and didn't eat in the cafe so can't really comment on that except.... Why do they have a huge queue of people outside even though the gigantic windows clearly show LOADS of empty tables? It's like they're trying to make the place feel that much more exclusive, which is absolutely ridiculous. I'm not wildly against Betty's by any means, but this seemed pretty despicable.

I was recently visiting friends in the Yorkshire Dales and, being a tea fanatic, I couldn't resist stopping at Bettys. To be honest, I'm a bit torn on Bettys. It's priced for tourists, and the tea is the only thing that's worth the price. The pastries and cakes are amazing. I can't go on enough about the tea. But I was disappointed with my lunch. Considering I was looking to indulge my sweet tooth after my meal, I decided to go light. I ordered a roast Yorkshire chicken sandwich... and BOY was it small. It cost about 6 quid for a sandwich that is roughly the same quality I would get in a sandwich from Tesco or Boots, but would have happily paid ￡2 or 3 (max) at one of these two places. It came with no salad (garnish or otherwise) and was presented on a tray that would normally be used for afternoon tea items. So I was starving afterwards and felt like a bit of an idiot knowing how much it had cost for a mediocre and lacklustre sandwich. Having seen the afternoon tea on other tables, I'm so happy that we didn't order it as it was overpriced for what you get. But then... my pot of tea came, which was fantastic! I ordered the Rwandan Single estate tea and loved every sip. I decided not to order a dessert from the restaurant, but instead walked upstairs to the bakery. There are way more choices in the bakery and things are half the price or less than sitting in the restaurant. This was the best choice of the day for me (other than the tea). I got a slice of the chocolate and raspberry cake. It was almost miraculous, but I'll stop short of sacrilege in my description. In the future, I would be planning to just stop in the cafe rather than the restaurant for some of their famous tea and then get something from the bakery on the way out.

We've been looking forward to this for years. The ambience is excellent and the quality of the food is good. Angie had a smoked cheese and Waldorf salad sandwich which she thoroughly enjoyed and I had a cheese and bacon raclette which was "meh" as my son would say. Our desserts were perfect though. Absolute heaven. The tea was also excellent. The lady at the door looking after us was super and it was a shame the service whilst we ate wasn't as good. It's worth going to for the experience but sadly not a second visit b

This place is famous all over Yorkshire. I was pretty excited that we decided to go for a late lunch and missed the crowd. When we first walked in, I noticed a very pungent smell. One of the specials was a rosti with gruyere and raclette, but even during my time in France I don't remember a cheese this strong. We'll come back to that. We ordered and our waitress was really sweet and attentive, even when I kept tacking on extras to our order (ooh, a banana skake sounds good... WHAT, streaky smoked bacon? my faave!) Just before our food arrived, a table near us left and suddenly the horrific cheese-foot smell disappeared. Creepy but fortunate. The food was pretty good, my spinach and mint tortelloni left more than a bit to be desired, but the Mr's rarebit was delicious. The white chocolate and rose cake was ah-mah-zing. Betty's is known for its pie and pastries and cakes, who are we to argue? Maybe stick with their tea and sandwiches (and cakes, of course)

VERY busy place but worth the wait. The food was delectable; I enjoyed a goat cheese and beet root open faced sandwich that I can't imagine ever finding on a menu in the US. We also had the 'cake trolley' where they bring by a selection of freshly made sweets to choose from. Petit Fours were to die for but the cookies, not so much. Service is typically English; you get ignored so you have to speak up if you need something but still friendly. Overall, it was a lovely time with a very dear friend!

Betty's is an institution. Not for the criminally insane, you understand, but for the insanely delicious teas they serve. Every time we tried to go for lunch, there was an enormous line of ramshackle tourists waiting. So, in honor of our determination never to play the game by the world's rules, we decided to put off lunch and have dinner at 3pm so we could gorge ourselves silly without the wait. Stop looking at me like that. It was certainly a delightful dinner experience. Pinnied waitresses were very attentive, and the food was fulfilling and tasty, if a little skimpy on the portions. C'mon! You can't tell me that Eaton Mess isn't God's own dessert! Their regular coffee is quite poor, if you like especially dark roasts (as we do) but their special roasts, such as Java Jampit, are superb. Other reviewers complain about the decorum and behavior of other, older patrons. To those reviewers I say: Get a grip on yerselves! It's a bloody TEA room! In ENGLAND! What? You expect to see Posh and Becks in there, sipping on Darjeeling and fussing over a strawberry tartlet for Brooklyn? Pssht. Betty's is definitely overpriced and the lines can be nuts but it's certainly worth a visit, if you can make the time.

Ok so I am a Tea house snob!! There I said it. So when in England I expect it to be perfect. Betty's did not let me down. My husband and I actually ate here twice. The first time for afternoon tea and croissants (ham & cheese/Smoked salmon and cream cheese) with Earl Grey Tea and English Breakfast. OMG delicious. Now the only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is the 2nd time we went. We decided to go for Breakfast and we both got the Eggs Benedict. Which was delicious but my husband and I both got small shells in our eggs. Not good. Besides that the coffee was so rich and tasty I would have gone back again if we had time. Come to think about it I actually got food to go so I went 3 times. I got a sandwich and beet salad yummy. I loved the old timey feel with the way the waitresses dressed. Lovely and a must if in Harrogate!!

Betty's is notorious in Harrogate for the queues it warrants. People come afar to sample Betty's tea. And while they're at it have a spot of lunch too. Of course, there's a pianist tickling the ivories, the waitresses - smartly dressed - are happy to recommend a special of the day. I'm a big fan of the sausages and rosti, personally, but there's always some pleasant warming grub to devour. Classic dishes such as a fish and chips are intermingled with slightly posher sections of the menu. Be sure to save some room for a pudding. Also available in the shop next door. Chocolate torte is really something. Have it with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. And proceed to heaven. Treat your mum to afternoon tea. And reap the rewards; washing, ironing, nice dinners, money - in my case.

We had a lovely time at Bettys today! I booked afternoon tea a couple of months ago as a surprise for my mum's 60th birthday, and they'd even got her a little cake with a candle on, and the pianist played 'Happy Birthday' fantastic : ) The food was delicious, the service absolutely faultless, and the tea perfectly brewed!

When in Harrogate, a visit to Bettys is one of those tourist cheesy must-do's, along with a visit to the baths and a wonder around the park. But it's deservedly famous, you pay for it but the service is fantastic and the food exquisite. I went with my partner for an afternoon treat, opting for the slightly cheaper option of sitting upstairs in the "Continental Cafe" since there was a queue (on a Tuesday mid-afternoon, busy busy!). We went for the traditional tea and scones option; this is actually for 1 person, but consists of a pot of tea and two scones with clotted cream and jam. They gave us an extra pot of hot water so we could quench our thirst while gobbling down the lovely creamy scones. We were both pretty pleased with the whole experience, I can see the afternoon tea, whilst being a little expensive, being a fantastic treat. Well worth popping into the shop on the way out too for some snacking in the park. They do a mean line in artisan breads which, considering the price of normal bread nowadays, is actually quite well priced! Combine it with a visit to The Cheeseboard for awesome picnic faire...

This is old fashioned gentility - on a plate, so to speak. It is in a very pretty part of the world and you can count on long, slow queues. When we went they were doing up the ground floor, so there was less space available to sit in. But we met some very friendly people in the queue and had thick coats on, so it was ok. I used to live in the North of England and, so I miss the delicacy of a Yorkshire curd tart. So, it was a natural choice for tea. Everyone was pleased with their choices. The loos are worth remarking on - delightful with a lovely view. There is a shop on the groundfloor with an amazing range of utterly breath-taking creations. Very, very expensive but you may like to take something home with you. Exquisite Easter eggs and Christmas treats.

A real Agatha Christie experience, as it probably has not changed that much since the 1920's. Sumptous finger licking cakes and pastries, afternoon tea to die for. The usual fine array of Coffees and Teas. A joy if you can get a seat near the large glass windows and watch the world go buy in refined and genteel splendour. Not cheap but well worth the experience. If you cannot get a seat, buy from the well stocked and always busy shop. Buy two of everything as you will only want more when you get home!! The staff are professional and friendly and always immaculately turned out. p.s. Do not lick your fingers it is frowned upon! Oh what the heck do it anyway!!

We came to Betty's for my hen do afternoon tea, the civilised portion of the day before the alcohol started! We queued in the rain for over half an hour, but it was worth the wait. We had sandwiches and chips and lovely cakes and the best tea in Harrogate. There were 17 of us, which is quite a big group to just rock up but they seated us really quickly once we were indoors out of the rain. The staff also didn't seem to mind that we were dressed as brownie guides! It's pretty good value, but more as a treat than a regular place to go for a cuppa.

loved it! minus half star because i had to wait. minus half star because it's kind of pricey. minus half star because it's so goddam far away. wait, can't do that. the sandwiches and the scones are incredible, tea, my gosh i couldn't eat enough. i hate raisins or anything of the kind and i loved their fat rascal. my mouth is watering as we speak. service was a bit spotty but very pleasant and courteous, i was marvelously happy with my experience and wish i could do it more often. would a betty's survive in dc?

okay bettys is world famous and to give it its due some of the cakes are divine! however i once ordered a bog standard egg mayonnaise sandwich and it was a ridiculously high price , and it didn't taste all that good it was just cut into a fancy shape and there wasn't much of it to eat! , ive bought better egg sarnies from morrisons the bill for an afternoon tea for two was unbelievable and im glad i wasn't paying! the queues are so long here but the atmosphere is nice and rather charming and im pleased to say ive been here and sampled the goods but i wouldn't again the one in harrogate is much nicer than the harlow carr one

Betty's cafe was a really nice little cafe years ago, but now as success has hit and it has grown to multiple location pricing, quality and quantity has hit the roof. It's crowded, so go for a late lunch, after 2pm. Tea service is OK, but if you like strong coffee go else where. The main dishes are more like samples, but the service is very good. Try it once, late in the afternoon, if you must. Otherwise, there are many other restaurants and pubs around the area that are much better, like the General Tarlenton.

Good quality. Quality does not come cheap. If you want cheap go elsewhere. I love it.

Very cute ambiance! I loved that they served us our scones on a 3-tier silver serving tray. Everything was lovely, and it was nice and cozy inside. It could easily be an every weekend stop if it wasn't so pricey. I recommend for any tourists in the area who want to experience a quaint English brunch spot.

What a disappointment. I found none of it to be appetizing: not the tea, not the biscuits, not the service, and interestingly enough, not the vibe. I thought I'd just adore it, but alas I left feeling unsatisfied and kind of foolish. Lesson learned: skip the touristy stuff, put down your travel guides, and ask a local what's really up.

I can't really give this place huge praise because it is SO expensive, there is always a huge queue to get in and the service feels like you are on a conveyor belt so meals are slightly rushed. The food is certainly quite good but the price of a cream tea (for instance) is really expensive, and the fact that one queues for 40 minutes for the privelege is disappointing. I've eaten there 3 times and didn't feel I had received value on any occasion, and the staff weren't very friendly. This place is more reputation than substance in my opinion.

Perhaps things have changed since I visited Betty's almost 5 years ago. I was jet-lagged, disoriented and starving. I'd dumped my bags at my hotel down the street and stumbled back to Betty's, the first likely-looking place I'd seen on the taxi ride from the railway station. The taxi driver had recommended it. I was able to get a table without waiting (I saw very long lines the remainder of my week-long stay), and had a really nice smoked salmon rosti, some of their tea and a sweet of some sort after. In any case, I thought that everything was absolutely lovely. It wasn't inexpensive, though--I think it set me back a good 15 pounds. And for Elisabeth: I may be American, but I'm not into "quaint". I'm also not into everything British or pretending I'm more British than John Bull. I am, however, quite pleased when I can relive a bit of the childhood I spent in the UK in the late '60s. Betty's certainly hit the mark in that regard. It reminded me of the weekly after-school teashop visits when I lived in Woodbridge. And lest anyone suspect I have refined tastes, I was just as happy with a packet sandwich from a Marks and Spencer food hall and a plate of macaroni cheese at the Debenham's cafe as I was with Betty's. The tearoom at RHS Harlow Carr was about to be taken over by Betty's when I visited in 2004. I'd certainly visit Harlow Carr again and Betty's would be an added bonus.

We were in Harrogate visiting my aunt and had been told that a visit to Betty's was a must. After a long time spent queuing for a table (about 20 minutes in total) we were shown to a small table squashed in beside two others, both of which were full. The afternoon tea that we ordered was reasonable and at an expected price (£15), although I was disappointed that the scones weren't warm. The tea was lovely and the cakes delicious. The main problem was that it took the staff a very long time to give anyone their bill - ourselves and a couple of tables around us all had to practically trip up the waiting staff, who were otherwise lovely, to try and pay. I found this surprising as, given the queue, the staff might be keen to have a faster turnaround of tables. I also noticed a couple of empty tables downstairs when I visited the ladies', although these were quickly filled by the maitre de. Otherwise our experience was good, although I now that we have been I think I might be inclined to try one of the other tearooms that Harrogate has to offer in future.

This Bettys get extremley busy very quickly.much prefer the Bettys at Harlow Carr.it is bigger and the surroundings are beautiful.

This is an old fashioned and unique experience. You may need to remortgage your house in order to finance it, but the food is great - I particularly recommend the cinnamon toast and the spiced hot chocolate - great for a cold winter afternoon. The location is great - right in the middle of harrogate, and the building, a huge, rounded listed building with large glas windows right around the front, is beautiful. Get there early though, as the queue around morning or afternoon coffee time can be quite long.

We lived in Harrogate for 2 years and made multiple trips to Betty's. It's often where me and the girls went for lunch, or where we took family when they came to town. I've enjoyed everything I got from there. And it's an experience you must not miss while in Harrogate!

This is definately the north's best kept secret! Betty's is an elegant, somewhat nineteenth century style cafe/bakery with a continental feel, and does an afternoon tea that for me can compete with more illustrious counterparts. As well as the most delicious cakes imaginable, the decor is another great draw (Betty's in York even boasts marble floors and chandeliers!) Surprisingly the cafe does have quite a young clientele for such a traditional place, and it must be noted that it's so popular that you do sometimes have to wait a few minutes for a table.

Betty's at Harrogate has just undergone a lengthy refurbishment, creating an area by the main entrance for teas, sandwiches and cakes, and upstairs for afternoon teas etc. Queues are still about 20 mins, despite all the extra seating! As usual, the food is splendid, if a little stingy with portion size. Today I had the beetroot, onion and goats cheese tart, which I relished! However, I almost choked when I saw the same tart in the bakery section for £2.25.a whole £4.50 LESS than it was to eat in!!!!! I know there are overheads involved when eating in, but a 200% price hike for simply heating & sticking it on a plate with some lettuce leaves..Come on! PS: I bought said tart to take home..