My parents-in-law, Denis Aspland and Eileen Joyce Hancock, held their wedding reception at Bettys on Monday 28th December 1959. This year they will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Here they are cutting their wedding cake at Bettys.

- Debby

My mum and dad were in the queue at Bettys Harlow Carr with my son whilst I was in labour. When my husband phoned to say my daughter had been born, a member of staff must have overheard my mum being happy and subsequently gave her a golden wrapped chocolate heart. That's 10 years next week, and that kind and thoughtful act is still remembered, thank you. I ate it... but was probably most deserving.

- Kate

As a kid we lived in Africa and I was at boarding school at Harrogate Ladies College. The absolute highlight of my birthday each year was a Dougal cake from Bettys. Now I’m almost grown up (!) with a 26-year-old of my own, I have had the pleasure of introducing her to the wonders of Bettys and the delight that is Bettys Yorkshire Rarebit, with bacon of course. Now living abroad we don’t visit as often as we’d like but we sure make good when we do! Happy anniversary and many more to come.

- Amanda

I remember with lots of very fond memories how, when I was a small girl, Mumsie would take me to Bettys every Saturday in Bradford. What a weekly treat! My all-time favourite cake was the one which was made of puff pastry, pastry cream and on the top of the cake there was a kind of burnt sugar top. Mumsie would also order my birthday cakes from Bettys. One year my cake was in the shape of a piano. It was a very sad day when Bettys closed in Bradford. I no longer live in the Yorkshire area but we visited York’s Bettys Tea Rooms several years ago and my favourite cake was still being made and yes, I had one of these – I could have eaten two! – with my cup of tea. Thank you.

- Edwina

I found this in my late mum’s belongings. She used to work at Bettys. I think it is Frankie Howerd’s signature.

- Janet

We first discovered Bettys on moving to Yorkshire 30 years ago. Keen to introduce my sister-in-law to the local delicacy of curd tart, we visited Bettys in Northallerton, and in a very crowded shop I had a senior moment and asked for a ‘turd cart’. Amidst much laughter and some embarrassment, I did get what I required, but it was a while before I stepped foot into the Northallerton shop again, and I moved on to the much safer Fat Rascals.

- Russell

My mother and father who were business people in Leeds LS26 for over 35 years went to Bettys Leeds all their lives. Tony was their waiter every Monday evening, which was their half day off from their business; as I became old enough I would join them for tea after school followed by the theatre. Latterly we also have visited Harrogate, Harlow Carr and York for as long as I can remember, subsequently taking my parents. My father’s favourite is the rarebit and my mother always loved that as well as the cakes. When I was a child my parents would always buy Easter chocolate bunnies from Bettys. Our daughter who is now 14 has gone to Bettys since she was a week old. My husband and I visit every week whenever we can; at York we know many of the regulars and the majority of the staff know us very well. We love Bettys for its quality, wonderful ambience and of course it doesn’t matter what time of year: there is always a welcome.

- Brenda, Chris & Abigail

Today I served a table of five guests. They asked if I could guess what they were celebrating, and after a few guesses I conceded that no, I couldn’t. It turned out that the two ladies on that table who were maybe in their 40s were sisters who had just met that day as they’d been adopted! I didn’t know what to say, I was so thrilled for them, and they were clearly bowled over with joy. I ended up giving them all some fizz, as a moment like that should not go untoasted. Yes, they cried. I wanted to as well. It makes me realise how lucky I am to work in a place where that happens. These ladies had been apart for so long, and where do they choose to meet again? Not any other of the many fantastic places in York. Just right there with me. I’m so happy for those ladies, wherever they are. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this. I’m so glad you’ve found each other again.

- Kathryn, a member of the team at Bettys York

Our mum was called Grace Elizabeth but everybody always called her Betty. She had a great deal of affection for the tea rooms that shared her name. Being presented with a box of Bettys Florentines for a birthday or Mother's Day made her whole face light up. It was probably the only time she would open chocolates or treats and take one out without offering them to everyone else first. When she was in her 80s and it was harder to go shopping, she'd spend ages pouring over the Bettys catalogue, picking out Christmas treats for us. Mum died five years ago. The beautiful box from the last Langues de Chat she tucked into the toe of my Christmas stocking (when I was in my mid-40s) still sits on the bookcase at the end of my bed where I see it every day. Ooh, they tasted good. Happy 100th birthday, Bettys.

- Sally

As a family we all have been coming to Bettys for many years, it’s our favourite place to be together! I have a funny tale to tell about taking my daughter Amelia to Bettys in York when she was only three. We had our usual lunch and then decided to visit the ladies before leaving. As Amelia was only little I usually went in the toilet cubicle with her but in this occasion she wanted to go in on her own. With strict instructions not to lock the door I allowed her to be a ‘big girl’ and go in on her own. Of course, she locked the door against instructions and then loudly proceeded to give me and everyone else a running commentary which included, “Mummy, there’s a hook on the door; is that to hang your knickers on?” Needless to say, this caused great amusement to all the very genteel ladies in the room! We had to get help to unlock the door from the ever-smiling staff but I still remember this incident despite the fact that Amelia is now 41 with children of her own. They also love Bettys and know all about their Mummy’s incident there when she was a little girl! Thank you for Bettys, you all do such a brilliant job. Long may it continue!

- Eileen

When our boys were small, we started having our holidays in Yorkshire and used to stay in York. Our treat while on holiday was to go into Bettys in for lunch; what a lovely lunch. The waitresses were lovely and we would often see the man in charge making sure that everything was running smoothly. As time went on, we would still visit Bettys and as we had come by train we would go and buy Fat Rascals for our journey on the train back to Kent. We still visit Bettys now, catch the train from Kent arrive in York, maybe visit the Railway Museum as we used to with the boys and then go for lunch at Bettys. What lovely memories we have of Bettys; thank-you.

- Lesley

Hello Bettys from Kirkwall, Orkney! I was born in York in 1947 and have many memories of Bettys from as long as I can remember right up to the present day. When I was young, I would go with my mother on a Saturday to meet my aunt for morning coffee at Bettys in St Helen's Square. It was one of the highlights of my childhood. My aunt was dressed to the nines, posh dress, coat with fox fur wrap, leather gloves and a light veil over her face. My mother also looked very smart with the obligatory hat etc but no veil. They both wore make-up. Over my 72 years I have visited Bettys whenever I have been in York. I was there last September and will be back this September for my cappuccino and vanilla slice. Congratulations on your 100 years in business.

- Anne

l worked in the bake house back in the 60s. It was a happy time in my life. I can remember some of the other people who worked there. Jessie Ratliffe and her husband who was in the stores. Mr Holdsworth or Ellsworth was the General Manager. There were other people but at the moment l am unable to recall their names. I can remember when the Café Imperial joined Bettys as their bakers came to join us. Many happy memories from days gone by. I helped make curd tarts, sausage rolls and put the sausage meat through the machine which you had to catch on a board so it could be rolled into the pastry. On a Saturday morning we had to be in for 6am to wash down the tables and machines and to give the floors a good scrub. When all was done we were able to buy the cakes at cost and could get fresh cream to take home which was a real treat.

- Ruth

From being a tiny child I have such wonderful memories of Bettys. On Sunday afternoons we would climb all over the Cow & Calf and then roar down to the Ilkley Bettys for tea and a toasted teacake. The beautiful wooden mosaic always fascinated me. Then there were visits to York (enjoying people-watching inside and out with those huge windows) and Harrogate (afternoon tea and enchanting music on a spectacular piano). Northallerton was linked to family holidays and discovering the outposts in Harlow Carr Gardens and down the road in York was cheering. As an adult travelling for work, Bettys was a moment of civilisation in a day of challenges. And discovering that Bettys had embraced online shopping ensured that Christmas could be improved by having yummy things delivered to Yorkshire folk in exile. So, great locations, glorious food and the most perfectly trained staff; no wonder they are pinched by Buckingham Palace! And now I think that I am going to have to organise a Yorkshire holiday...

- Caroline

My husband and I met in December and so decided to marry in that month too. It's the second time around for both of us and we consider ourselves lucky to have found each other. We now mark each special anniversary with a trip to Bettys. We love the Christmas feel and enjoy a special meal and a glass or two of champagne; the staff always make us feel very special. Thank you, Bettys of York.

- Joy Hanson

I went for a job interview in June 2013 and part of the process was a five-minute presentation based on something I was passionate about. I chose to talk about Bettys: from the founder, to the shops, to my wedding cake that was on order at the time of the interview, ready for my wedding in July 2013. I’m pretty sure that clinched it – I got the job and started in August 2013. I’ve been in the same position ever since and am still married!

- Lorraine

Bettys has been a family tradition for years. When we are together, three generations descend upon Bettys. It is where our grandchildren learn how to act in restaurants, use a knife for the first time and master pouring tea. The staff are so accommodating. Thanks, Bettys for so many precious memories as these photos taken over two years show.

- Dave, a grateful grandfather

My memory may be a little sad, but so poignant that I wanted to share it. Five years ago my sister had just finished a course of chemo following a breast cancer diagnosis. She knew this was terminal, and we set about doing all the things on her wish list. A visit to Bettys was highlighted as a priority; so I arranged a weekend in Harrogate along with one of her closest friends and we booked afternoon tea at Bettys. You so generously gave us complimentary champagne as we shared the ‘bucket list’ mission, and we had a wonderful afternoon there. Sadly she died soon after this visit but we have a lovely photo of her drinking champagne at Bettys that day and used this as a backdrop to her funeral service. A great memory and a wish fulfilled – thank you for making this so special.

- Penny

It's our 35th wedding anniversary this September. In 1984 on our way home from our honeymoon in Devon we called in to Bettys Harrogate for lunch with friends. The pianist in Bettys was informed of it being our honeymoon and launched into 'Here comes the Bride': my new husband leapt from his seat to do a runner whilst the rest of us roared with laughter. Luckily he came back and we have as a family been returning regularly to Bettys at every opportunity over the 35 years, often recalling the story and chuckling. It's amazing how life can be improved over a cup of tea and a Fat Rascal. Thank you. You are part of the rich tapestry of our family life.

- Polly

Congratulations on celebrating 100 years of perfection! The story I would like to share is that my Mum, Dad and Nanna all worked at Bettys York during World War II. Mum and Nanna were waitresses in the café and Dad worked in the bar downstairs which was then called The Dive. He told us all about the US Air Force men who loved to meet in the Dive before their next mission and how they signed the mirror. One young pilot gave my Dad his 'lucky pen' and asked him to keep it for him as he was coming back for it; sadly he never did. My Dad is now 98 years old and is amazing, I'm looking forward to his 100 years celebration too!

- Margaret

We have come to Bettys today to celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary. Bettys has always been a favourite place for us and brings back lovely memories for us because we had our wedding reception at Bettys on Darley Street in Bradford on 21st March 1959. Thank you for the service and experience and the complimentary Bettys Pink Champagne.

- Marie and Bernard

I remember with lots of very fond memories how when I was a small girl Mumsie would take me to Bettys every Saturday in Bradford. What a weekly treat! My all-time favourite cake was/is the one which is made of puff pastry, cream and on the top of the cake there was a 'burnt sugar top'. Mumsie would also order my birthday cakes from Bettys. One year my cake was in the shape of a piano. It was a very very sad day when Bettys closed in Bradford. I no longer live in the Yorkshire area, but we visited York Bettys Tea Rooms several years ago and my favourite cake was still being made and I had one of those. I could have eaten two with my cup of tea!

- Edwina

My Mother was born in Yorkshire in 1919, and she took me to Harrogate in about 1969, and we visited Bettys. In the garden adjacent to you a lady criticised my mini dress and reduced me to tears. A gentleman sitting there chastised her. I learned a valuable lesson, I will never ever comment on people’s appearance, smile, shake my head but never ever criticise. Fast forward a few years and I took my husband to visit you. The cake he chose had only two portions left, waitress said she didn’t think she could cut it in half successfully, would he mind if she gave him the whole piece, and of course only charge him for one. He said he was happy with that. He never ever forgot this and years later whenever I visit you I remember and smile. Bettys a place full of happy memories.

- Jennifer

I first discovered Bettys in York in 1980 when I came to Yorkshire to work at Pennine Radio in Bradford. I was very impressed, and rang my parents, saying that the next time they came up from Suffolk to visit I would take them to a wonderful tea shop, described it in details, finishing by saying "...and you have to queue round the block, it is so popular, and it is called Bettys"... There was a gasp down the phone. It turned out that before I was born, my parents - an Army family - had been stationed near York in the 1940s, and had enjoyed many visits to Bettys. Their response was how wonderful it was that their favourite place had not only survived, but thrived. So many thanks from two generations of my family. May you thrive for another 100 years!

- Alastair

When I was 7, I went to Bettys in Northallerton most Sundays after Church. I always had milk and a teacake! At the age of 16, I did work experience there and had the absolute privilege of being offered a job as a waitress through my college years. It was such a lovely time as you feel like a part of the Bettys family and I would have stayed there forever if I could. I still miss it! I now live in Essex with my husband and two children but every time I visit I ensure I come in for a vanilla slice and a pot of tea. We get them to have at home as much as I can get away with too! My daughter came in when she was a few months old and my son Ralph was in Bettys at 3 weeks.

- Alexandra

Hailing from New Zealand, my Mum and I took a once in a lifetime trip to the UK in 2010. We spent a week in York and would visit Bettys every day for lunch or afternoon tea. It was the most wonderful holiday and our sojourns to Bettys were a highlight of the trip. I frequently order a Bettys hamper from your website so we can relive the special café moments at home.

- Kirsty

My husband and I had our wedding reception in the Belmont Room at York. All we can say is, wow. The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and I had tea at the top table. What more could we want? We came back for afternoon tea on our 1st anniversary and will continue this little tradition every year. Bettys will always hold a special place in our heart.

- Samantha

There are so many of my memories hidden inside a Fat Rascal. My dad used to visit York regularly for work and would always bring one back for me. I’d love seeing him walk in with that paper bag. Sadly, he’s not with us now but I can’t go near a Bettys without smiling.

- Nicola

My husband and I got married in Harrogate so to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary we did a ‘Bettys-thon’; we visited all six cafes in one week. We look forward to repeating it for our Golden Wedding Anniversary.

- Beverly

My husband’s nana was one of the pastry chefs at Ilkley 40 or so years ago. As a boy, he would cycle from Guiseley every weekend for a custard slice. Though we live in Harrogate now, he still cycles, still regularly visits Bettys, and always enjoys a custard slice. His love for them has been passed on to our whole family.

- Jacqui

My daughter was born in Harrogate, but we moved when she was 12 weeks old. To celebrate her 10th birthday we surprised her with a trip to Harrogate for a wonderful afternoon tea. She especially loved it when the pianist played Happy Birthday to her.

- Lisa

Ever since my daughter was two we have enjoyed a Christmas Eve tradition of enjoying breakfast at Bettys in Harrogate.

- Leanne

When I first met my husband in 1978, he took me to Bettys in York for my first ever visit. I was 22 years old then! Over the years, we have visited almost all of the Bettys, but mainly York. We have taken my parents, friends and our son from being a new baby. I even went to Bettys in York to celebrate my 60th birthday. The lovely waitress brought a cake with candle to our table before we left.

- Anne

My great great grandparents celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a cake from Bettys in 1934. My great aunt had the task of holding the cake all the way from Harrogate to Withernsea in the back of her parents’ car. She said it was nerve wracking as the car jolted across a journey that seemed to take forever. Sadly my great aunt passed away a few years back but while I lived abroad, I could continue to send her Bettys gifts from the website – she loved the gift boxes. It was a very special place for her.

- Katie

A visit to Bettys in Harrogate for lunch on Christmas Eve has been a longstanding tradition in my family. Even having to wait a little longer to sit in the main tea rooms will not spoil the event. I can remember one very cold and snowy Christmas when they had a real fire in the fireplace and we were lucky enough to be seated next to it whilst a pianist played carols on the grand piano. The food is always superb, so thank you Bettys for some very happy memories!

- Anne-Marie

My fiancée and I had our first date at Bettys Northallerton on 3rd January 2015. Our love blossomed, as we are now engaged. Every year we return on the same day, to celebrate the anniversary of our first meeting. We enjoy visits to all Bettys branches, but Northallerton will always have a special place in our hearts.

- Ian

We come from Northern Ireland but always try to visit Bettys if on a trip to England. We were staying at Windermere last week and took a trip to Bettys on 17th July, which was the Bettys birthday celebration so it was very exciting. We got a birthday card and my husband won one of the celebration mugs which was lovely. I bought the teabag tin and some fancies which are always a treat for the family when I come home. Many thanks.

- Joyce

It was sometime in the late 60s back when Bettys on Stonegate was known as the Kiosk. My mum and her friends used to meet in town and during the school holidays we children were included in the party. How I longed for a cake from the trolley, never forthcoming. I don’t know who decided that hide and seek would be a good game. I don’t remember who decided that under the table where the waitresses were storing crockery was a good place to hide. I believe it was my sister who pulled the tablecloth to hide us. The crash was deafening, the parental recriminations terrible. My mother, red faced, hustled her offspring out as did the other mummies involved. We didn’t return to the Stonegate café for many years, transferring our custom to ‘big Bettys’. Bettys has always been a lovely café; I celebrated my engagement with coffee at Stonegate, my 50th birthday with afternoon tea at Harrogate and our 30th wedding anniversary with afternoon tea In York. Please forgive me for my part in the great crockery smash of 1968.

- Anne

We booked our wedding reception at Bettys in York (jazz pianist, wood panels etc.) but were told two weeks before the wedding that it had been double-booked and they cancelled our booking. As compensation, Bettys offered to send us some edibles. We told them the address of our hastily changed reception venue but on the morning of the wedding, Bettys sent the pastries to the wrong place in Harrogate. They were then diverted to our new venue, arriving at the same time as our guests. It was all a bit nail-biting! Fortunately, we are still happily married!

- Lesley

I have always loved Bettys from being a little girl and it was always a treat to be taken there from the 1950s onwards. I have lived in Ilkley for many years and it is still a pleasure to go there. In 2015 my daughter suggested we went to Bettys with two of my granddaughters for tea while we waited for a third granddaughter to have her ballet lesson. We had a lovely time as usual and l was surprised and delighted when the waitress brought a little cake box for the two girls. Inside were two fondant fancies. She told us how impressed she was with the girls’ impeccable good manners and said such good behaviour should be rewarded. I’ve never forgotten that moment; we felt so proud of them! A wonderful gesture from Bettys.

- Sheila

My wife and I had always wanted to visit Yorkshire especially Haworth. When we finally made it and stayed in Haworth we were able to visit Harrogate and take an afternoon tea at Bettys. What a wonderful day we had. All of the people we met were friendly and Bettys staff absolutely wonderful. After our tea we spent time in the shop buying more delicious items to enjoy later. Bettys met both our expectations; our dream came true and Bettys did not disappoint. We are planning our return soon.

- Stephen

We brought a small group of South African teachers and students who were visiting Upton Primary school, for a visit to York. One of the highlights for us all was our Headmasters treat to Bettys. I’d been quite a few times before with my family so was able to tell them a little bit of history about Bettys tea rooms. They were amazed at the cakes! Thank you for the memories and happy birthday.

- Barbara

My mum used to tell me that I first visited Bettys when I was only a few months old with her and my grandma in 1957. She was born in 1929 and first visited it when she was a little girl: it was a family tradition. We lived in Selby and no visit to York was complete without a tea and cake, in my case a vanilla slice, but I am also partial to a toasted tea cake. Nowadays it’s just me and my husband but I do remember lots of visits to celebrate birthdays etc with Mum and Dad and Grandma and Grandad. On my husband’s first visit my mum insisted on him having a Fat Rascal, something he loves to this day. There’s one left in the freezer from my last visit! It wasn’t just visiting the tea room, it was buying bread and cakes to go home with. After my mum died my dad just wanted to visit for lunch with me and have fish and chips, something she loved to do. So my husband and I did the same after he died and toasted them with a cup of tea. Every time I come to York still, three or four times a year, I come back with a hold-all of bread and cakes. Thank you for the memories.

- Julie

We have a tradition of having lunch at Bettys, York on 23rd December for our 'Christmas' Carol's birthday. This goes back some 35 years! When our son joined us for his first talking/walking visit he made us laugh by asking innocently: "When we go into Bettys will I have to take my shoes off?" Something we recall every time we visit...

- Kim and Carol Francis

My husband and I were treated to a delicious afternoon tea by our relatives, for our 35th wedding anniversary. Wishing the team at Bettys a very happy birthday. Hoping that many generations to follow get to enjoy your hospitality.

- Helen

I remember when Bettys was on the opposite corner opposite the Cenotaph in the 1950s. My mother had her wedding reception there. The present Bettys used to be the Café Imperial at this time. I lived in Harrogate in the 50s and 60s and so I know Bettys well. My husband and I revisit every year and spend a lot of time in Bettys, morning, noon and night! We have a funny story to tell. We were having a meal in Bettys in Harrogate next to a family who were enjoying their tea and cakes. The waitress was approaching the table with a chosen cake. Their young boy called out, “Daddy, your tart is coming.” Those around had a good laugh.

- Janet

As a family we moved to Yorkshire in my third year of high school in Harrogate and have fond memories of Bettys becoming a place of pure celebration for the family: GCSE results, A-Level results and degree results for my sister and I. Followed by pre- and post-surgery/ operation treats, Christmas Eve breakfast, 21st birthdays and significant events such as promotions (for my sister and I) and retirement of our parents. My celebration of choice for my own 40th birthday this month was lunch at Bettys Harlow Carr with my mum and sister, during which a lit candle was popped into my strawberry tartlet by our lovely waitress. When I returned to work in Cheshire, my team surprised me with two champagne afternoon tea vouchers for Bettys Harrogate, as I talk so fondly of it. Many happy times and although we have historically always kept Bettys as a treat, we do find ourselves more and more heading past the Cenotaph in Harrogate for what is, and always has been, a faultless experience. Many thanks for the memories.

- Rachel

I owe my existence to Bettys but not perhaps in the usual manner. Kathleen Thompson, from a railway family and one of 12, met a young shopfitter doing the decorating at Bettys as inspired by the trip on the Queen Mary. Romance ensued and, upon becoming engaged, Kathleen moved from York to London. She was an assistant at Stead and Simpson's shoe shop so her role was transferred between branches. In London the relationship between them soured. By all accounts, the future mother in law didn't approve and made her opinion known. Thus the relationship ended. Now young, free and single, Kathleen joined a social club. Edward Piercy, the young man taking the phone bookings for a friend one afternoon made a huge impression on her. Grandma said that his voice transfixed her and indeed within months they married. He proposed to her at the heart of the maze at Hampton Court Palace. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1984. So second time lucky for Kathleen in the whirlwind relationships stake. We still went to Bettys when in York. Relatives took me there for my own 18th birthday, as I was at The Mount School. I treasure our Bettys story and continue the story by taking our niece and nephew to the Harrogate branch.

- Sarah

I’ve been to all of the Bettys cafés; they are all excellent. It’s so hard to choose what to have because everything is scrumptious. I remember going to a café in Leeds which I think was Bettys. The café was upstairs and they served delicious cakes, it was very hard to choose. The shop was downstairs and they sold the most fantastic bread. We always bought two French sticks, one we ate as soon as we got home with lashings of butter then the other one was for tea. The cafés remind me of the happy times with my lovely mother spent there. If it wasn't Bettys, it should have been!

- Linda

I walk past Bettys on my way to school every day and love seeing the changing window display. I have come here every year for my birthday since I was 10 and now I am 15. As always, it is simply delightful!

- Nicole

I visited Bettys in 1982 while on my honeymoon. We booked into The Alexander Court Hotel where our hosts, George & Elizabeth Keeler, treated us wonderfully. Each morning over breakfast, they would recommend places to visit while we spent our day walking around Harrogate. Naturally, having lunch at Bettys was on their list of must-dos while in town. And Bettys did not disappoint! What I remember even more than the lovely tea and 'cress sandwiches, were the very kind and accommodating staff at Bettys that helped make our visit so memorable. I'm hoping to return to Harrogate this June, with my son (who's based in London) - and will make certain to stop in for tea at Bettys!

- Nancy

On a trip to Bettys Northallerton last year, my father opened up about the time he spent in the town as an evacuee in 1940. I hadn’t known until then that the site of the café tearoom was once the Bank House where he stayed. During our visit he remembered the layout of the house as it had been when he was 17 and remarked on how it had changed over the years. The entrance looks the same and the internal hall was exactly as it had been in 1940. He remembered the stairs going up to the first floor where his bedroom was situated. After that, the rest of the building is quite different these days. There was a sitting room to the right, where the shop is now located, and a dining room to the left. The tearoom has probably taken the space that once housed the kitchen and the carpark at the rear of the building used to be a walled garden. Being in the area always brings back what memories my father has and, during our trip to Bettys, he enjoyed retelling the tales from this time. He has clear memories of making music at the parish church under the direction of the organist, Gerry Wilson. Something that helped shape his future when he became a music teacher and accompanist. Even now, he can still turn out a tune, so those days practising in Northallerton have definitely been put to good use! My father has very fond memories of his time living in Northallerton and visiting Bettys brought back so many of the happy times he had there as a child.

- Barbara

Since moving to Harrogate 42 years ago, we have been regular customers of the Harrogate and York tearooms and, since 2004, Harlow Carr. The standard of food and service has always been high, and we admired the way the cafes evolved in the 1980s. Although we are now in our mid-70s, we look forward to many more meals at Bettys in the coming years. John recently celebrated his 75th birthday at the Harlow Carr branch and the waiter very kindly produced a small birthday sponge from the kitchen to mark the occasion. A very nice gesture! Congratulations again on reaching 100 not out.

- John and Margaret

We celebrated my Great Aunt’s 90th birthday by visiting Bettys in Harrogate. Auntie Joyce had a fabulous afternoon and pronounced it one of the best she’d ever had. We all thought it was a wonderful afternoon tea and it holds very special memories for us. Sadly, her husband died a short time later and our visit to Bettys was the last time we saw him. We would dearly love to take Auntie Joyce there again to bring back some happy memories.

- Sue

I have always loved Bettys but, since they helped me create my dream wedding cake, I am totally in love with them. It’s simply the best.

- Claire

We came to Yorkshire to visit my brother in Guiseley and stopped for tea and cake. We saw a house for sale in Ilkley and, a few months later, had left London behind. Bettys was definitely a catalyst that changed our life forever.

- Eirian

My Italian grandad worked in Bettys in York as a chef for nearly 50 years and it was where he met my grandmother. He spotted her when she went there for dinner and he came up from the kitchens. After a whirlwind romance, they were married and enjoyed 49 years together. If it wasn’t for Bettys, they may never have met.

- Charlotte

When I was little, my Nana would always bring home a Bettys cream cake from York after her Saturday afternoon shopping expedition. I always used to be amazed by the way they were wrapped in the most amazing boxes with ribbon. She never had a lot of money, so I guess this was probably a little treat to herself. It made me happy to see how much she enjoyed it. My affection for Bettys started there and, when I’m in York, a Bettys cream cake finds its way home with me in her memory.

- Craig

Having frequented Bettys as a child with my mum and gran, the tradition has continued. My now husband and I had numerous dates there since we met. So, we both decided that the Imperial Rooms at Bettys Harrogate was the perfect wedding location for us to celebrate. Since our wedding, we have celebrated three anniversaries there and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been beautifully perfect in every way.

- Victoria

I think my love of Bettys has come from my Grandmother whose name was actually Betty! She lived in Harrogate for most of her life and would take tea there every week until she was unable to walk. When I was a little girl I used to visit her with my parents. My mother and I would walk down to the tea room and bring her back a curd tart and some Fat Rascals. My Gran is no longer with us, but I will definitely carry on the tradition of visiting Bettys with my niece.

- Nicola

Having been born and bred in Yorkshire, Bettys was always part of my life. When I met my husband to be, we used to sneak away from work and cemented our relationship over Bettys tea and Yorkshire rarebit! My eldest son lives in Harrogate and Bettys is just as a big a part of his life. Every year, my granddaughter asks to be sent to the Cookery School as her Christmas present. I’m so glad that we have passed on our love a such a great company.

- Ann

Visits to Bettys helped my mum and I become closer since she recovered from a major illness. We now visit every month for lunch on a Saturday and celebrate special occasions in the Belmont suite. We always have a great time and find the staff to be very attentive and professional. I always recommend Bettys to friends as the place to go if you visit York.

- Janine

My parents, Anne and John, had their wedding breakfast at Bettys in Harrogate on 17th February 1958. Over the years, my Mum and Dad shared many happy memories of their special day at Bettys and, because of that, it always meant a lot to me when I visited a branch as a child.

- Jill

My boyfriend and I are in a long-distance relationship and, during his first visit to the UK, he was desperate to visit York and go to Bettys. I’ve been going to the York branch with my mum since I was little, so he had heard countless stories about the amazing afternoon tea and the great piano playing. In the end, we spent three nights in York and ate at Bettys as often as we could. It will always be very special to us as it was the venue for our first holiday together.

- Ainsley

My memories are of a wonderful room in Bettys in York city centre. I worked for many years at the Halifax on Davygate in York, literally a stone's throw from Bettys. At the end of a tiring or a hot day, it was always pleasant for a group of us to unwind at Bettys. However, this wasn't in the tea rooms, but in a basement bar. The room was amazing, with wooden panels and mirror glass which had a number of signatures and dedications on them. I was later told that the tea room was a favourite of bomber aircrew based around the outskirts of the city. They would come in to relax and unwind and many of them signed the mirrors to mark their patronage. It was very easy to understand why they came: the location was great and the room very easy to relax in, just as we did a couple of generations later. I do hope that you can share this experience with a public exhibition of the mirrors. They wonderfully encapsulate the happiness and relaxation, even for a short time, enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Kindest thoughts and regards, from a now Sussex-based northerner.

- Chris

We just love visiting Bettys at Ilkley and Harlow Carr. My cousin who lives in Bexhill-on-Sea says it's the highlight of visiting Yorkshire. My first experience wasn't entirely a success when in 1967 I visited Bettys in Harrogate – when it was across the road – with a friend and we were asked to leave because we were not spending 2s and 6 pence each. We were aged 16 at the time!

- Maria

I spent three years at university in York and whenever my mum and dad came up to visit they would take me to Bettys for lunch. It was always a very special treat. Now when I return to York with my university friends, some 25 years on, we always make sure we stop at Bettys, normally for a round of cinnamon toast and I take home a bag of Fat Rascals for my family. It is still a wonderful place to visit.

- Victoria

My mum and her sister always used to treat themselves back in the 1970s in Harrogate Bettys. They used to have a cream meringue. One day my two year-old sister was there and wanted one too but they couldn’t afford three. So my sister had one and my mum and auntie had to share. My sister later told my dad that she had had a whole ‘burrang’. We’ve called meringue burrang ever since!

- Hev

My wife and I married on leap year day in 1992. It was a second marriage for both of us, so whilst the best man looked after our children, we made a beeline for Bettys in Harrogate to enjoy coffee and cake. We’ve celebrated our anniversary there every year since, on the day whenever possible.

- Stephen & Anne

We lived and worked in Northallerton in the 1990s and used to regularly visit the small tea room. It eventually was upgraded to the bigger and better Bettys that it is today with its wonderful orangery. The style of the tea room I admired a lot and when I moved all the way to New Zealand in 2010 I styled my kitchen on the colours and materials of Bettys, Northallerton complete with Bettys cake tins on display. I have been back to the UK a couple of times over the last nine years and each time I always visit the fabulous tea rooms.

- Andrea

So many memories... which ones to choose? I’ve been coming since I was a child, from special birthday cakes to curd tarts for tea; weekly trips from school with friends for hot chocolate and whipped cream and now that we’ve moved away it’s the pilgrimage to Bettys that we most look forward to: for Bettys breakfast or lunch and some treats to take home to keep the Bettys memories alive. There’s never a trip to Yorkshire without a trip to Bettys.

- Candy

For many years I ran ladies’ Christmas charity coach trips from Manchester to York. I would advise my ladies to take tea at Bettys and to get there early to allow for queuing but mainly so they could just enjoy relaxing in such a lovely place with delicious food. To walk into the warmth of Bettys and be greeted by the sight of many friends sat laughing and chatting surrounded by their bags of Christmas treasures is a very special memory. Nowadays, my husband and I will just jump in the car and head to mooch around Harrogate and have tea in Bettys. He often asks the pianist to play ‘La Vie en Rose’ for me, even though it’s his least favourite song! The latest Bettys happy memory: introducing our baby granddaughter Mae to her first Bettys lunch on our way back from a Yorkshire holiday – perfect!

- Jan

When I first joined Martins Bank in 1965 it was a tradition that you bought cakes on your birthday. It was always special if they were bought from Bettys which was then situated opposite St Peters Church. My favourite was one we called Elephant Feet as they were so large. They were heart shaped, filled with confectioner’s custard with a sugary, crispy top. They were delicious but now I wonder how many calories I consumed!

- Rosalyn

We first moved to Harrogate from Kent in 1975. My husband commuted to Leeds each day, our five children were in schools and I knew no one. Bettys, at that time, was in much smaller premises in Cambridge Crescent. Always a popular venue, customers were sometimes asked, “Do you mind sharing a table?” Perfect for me. Never short of conversation, my opening query was always, “Are you from Harrogate?” Nine times out of 10 the answer was, “No I moved here X years ago,” and so the conversation ‘took off’. I learned so much about the town, the history, the important yearly events, the residents and the visitors from all over the world who came to Bettys because of its wonderful reputation. The other side of the story: I was invited to a wedding of a friend of friends whilst visiting Washington DC. Wandering out on the veranda to admire the view, a young, tall and very good-looking young man asked me where I was from. “The UK,” I replied. “Whereabouts?” “The North of England,” I replied. “Where?” he persisted, “Harrogate, Yorkshire,” I answered. “Ah! Bettys.” He said with such a sigh of longing. “I was at Menwith Hill for 18 months. Bettys, my all-time favourite.” So you see, word does travel and your reputation with it. Since then, over the years our in-laws, our five children, their spouses, our 12 grandchildren, their cousins, friends and our friends from all over Europe, the USA, New Zealand, Thailand, etc. have enjoyed a visit to Bettys of Yorkshire and taken home wonderful memories and photos of a very special and unique experience, whether in Harrogate, Harlow Carr Gardens, York, Northallerton, or Ilkley. Many congratulations on your centenary and thank you for the last 44 years!

- Barbara

In January 1960 I had just moved to Harrogate to get a job. There I met a young lady called Greta. Come October of that year we were married. Our reception was held in Bettys (I still have the invoices); it was to be the start of 53 years of happy married life. After a few years we moved away from Harrogate and never went back. Greta sadly died in 2013. A year after and to celebrate her birthday I managed to get the whole family together in Harrogate. There we enjoyed afternoon tea at Bettys, a very happy and memorable occasion. I was surprised when I read about Bettys anniversary date. Why? It just happens to be my eldest granddaughter’s birthday!

- Brian

My parents lived in York and met at a dance at the Assembly Rooms. Shortly after they had their first date at Bettys in York. It was always a very special place for them and they would visit often. Later in their lives they could not believe it when I was appointed Manager there – they were so proud.

- Sally

The photograph shows four generations of my grandmother, Megan Murfitt’s family. Megan was born and bred in the fens, so very flat unlike beautiful Yorkshire, in 1917. She told me for many years she was born in 1918; it wasn’t until I discovered and checked her birth certificate in 2016 that we discovered she was actually 99 and not 98 as she thought, so for all my lifetime we have celebrated her 51st, 61st, 71st birthdays and so on. She loves Bettys and has visited many different ones over the years. I order online goodies for her from time to time. My grandmother Megan loves Bettys Harrogate: it is her favourite, as she saw it in an episode of ‘Emmerdale Farm’, many, many years ago and thought how wonderfully splendid it looked. For her 100th birthday, she wanted to go to Yorkshire, Northumberland and Scotland, hence we are all wearing ‘Megan’s 100 year tour’ jackets. Harrogate and Bettys was our first stop. The kindness and generosity of your staff and guests was humbling. She was thoroughly spoilt and had a wonderful afternoon.

- Julie

We have just celebrated our silver wedding anniversary and although we live in Surrey the two celebration cakes just had to come from Bettys. Nothing but the best!

- Janet

As a small girl growing up in the 1960s near Harrogate, I used to have wonderful shopping trips with my Granny (Dorothy Reynolds). She spoiled me and we would end our day here in Bettys Harrogate for afternoon tea. It was such a treat and in those years of the 1960s the premises were smaller, with dark panelling and less windows, but made a big impression on me. No pianist though, slightly hard chairs, willow back, I recall! Now I visit with my husband and we love the service, delicious food and the best staff – it always feels like an occasion! Here’s to the next 100 years…

- Louise

Ever since I was little, Bettys has always been an integral part of my life. From afternoon teas with my parents (the staff always gave my sister and I colouring crayons and paper when we were little), to celebratory cakes on birthdays (the fondant fancy one for a 1950s themed 16th birthday party was a particular favourite), to the one Christmas morning I woke up to find a hand-piped gingerbread house at the end of my bed, Bettys has forever been the cornerstone of a Worth family event. My sister worked at the Harlow Carr branch for several years and I even remember being asked to test her on the history of Bettys tea collection! However, my fondest memories have to be while I was at University. My mother used to send me Bettys parcels to my college in Cambridge, which the porters would have to sign for. One of the porters was from Skipton so recognised the Bettys font instantly - I knew there were treats to collect when I received an email simply marked "cake"!

- Susanna

I have the fondest memories of Bettys. From 1994-1997, I served with the U.S. Army at Menwith Hill and would often venture into Harrogate with my daughters, Lindsay and Victoria. Our trips always included reservations at Bettys and my favourite pastry, the Fat Rascal. Any time my family visited us, the highlight of their trip included Bettys. When she was studying abroad in London, Victoria returned to Bettys in Harrogate with her girlfriends and created her own special memories. She now bakes scones in her own home and shares them with her family. Served with clotted cream, homemade jams, and Bettys tea.

- Kathy

I have been coming to Bettys since 1947 when I was seven years old. Visits to York, Harrogate, Ilkley, and Northallerton would always include a trip to Bettys. We have enjoyed your cookery school and many talks in your cafés. I know your husband will not remember but we were first to arrive to his talk about “Who Was Betty”. A young man came in and told us he was the speaker and was a bit nervous. I told him to relax, breathe deeply, and that he we would be fine. He looked my way during his talk and I smiled and nodded. What I didn’t know at the time was that this man was Bettys. It was a lovely evening and he was so interesting. I am so pleased that Mr Belmont got off the train in Bradford and started his business in Yorkshire. My mum died in 2005, but she would have loved to know that Bettys had made 100 years. Congratulations for July 17th and may your cafés be full for the next 100 years.

- Christine

Bettys Harlow Carr was the destination for my first outing with new-born twins. The staff are really lovely and welcoming. Even the Fat Rascals smile.

- Sophie

I fell in love with Betty's when my mum used to take me for tea and cakes in the still missed Leeds branch and have been in love with it ever since.

- Beverly

I love the marzipan apples! I travel from Hartlepool to York just to buy some along with some Fat Rascals too.

- Andrew

As I stepped through the door, I saw a Fat Rascal giving me the eye! It was love at first sight. I tried not to meet his gaze, but he must have seen me looking as it didn't take him long to come across to our table. His cheeky face, nutty smile, and fruity fragrance bowled me over and we now go on regular dates together.

- Lynn

Bettys is a firm favourite with myself and my grandma. Every time we visit York, we head to Bettys. Once my daughter was born she became part of our special tradition. She had her first trip on my birthday where she enjoyed a Little Rascals rarebit whilst we enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea.

- Clare

My husband asked me to be his wife, using my Granny’s engagement ring, in a little corner of Bettys Northallerton.

- Emma

My grandma and grandad had their wedding cake made by Bettys in 1940 and were given a lovely photograph of it as a lasting memory. I was always reminded of it whenever I saw the vintage cake in Bettys Ilkley window.

- Jayne

As a family, we’ve been coming to Bettys since I was a little girl. It’s always been my favourite and I celebrated my 21st birthday with breakfast in your lovely Harrogate Tea Rooms. Just over a year later, we came for an indulgent lunch of alpine macaroni and fondant fancies. This time there was a special guest in my tummy as it was on my due date! There was no sign of the baby yet but, a few months later, we took her on her very first trip to Bettys.

- Summer

Bettys has so many memories for me as it was my first employer. I started work at 16 as a trainee chef in the York branch. I met lifelong friends and we shared many happy times together. I am proud to tell people I trained at Bettys. Over the years, we have visited many of the branches but my most memorable moment was taking afternoon tea in Bettys Harrogate. It was a very special afternoon that I was able to share with my mum, niece, and best friend.

- Christina

Bettys is a truly delightful and magnificent place to indulge in exquisite confectionary. I love the vintage flare and think the afternoon teas are to die for. They are a must for any celebration. I have brought family from America, Thailand, and Italy to try the food. Bettys never disappoints. I have attended chocolate courses and can always be persuaded to enjoy the beautiful cakes and biscuits in the shop.
I was first introduced to Bettys when I was completing my business course at school. It helped guide me towards my goal of setting up a small cupcake and chocolate shop in the future. Since then it has been a must amongst my friends when they visit. Nobody can turn down a lovely Lady Betty Afternoon Tea.

- Charlotte

Our daughter’s first outing after being born was afternoon tea at Harlow Carr. She was only 12 days old and weighed 4lb 4. In her first 17 months, we took her a further 58 times. Every member of staff recognises her now.

- Andrea

My husband and I had our wedding reception at the Harrogate tearoom. It was the most amazing day; we visit every year to mark the anniversary. The proposal also took place in the Ilkley Tea Rooms. This year I will be taking my cousin to celebrate her 30th birthday and the impending arrival of her twins. You could say that we’re slightly addicted.

- Jane

Bettys put a smile on my face when my husband took me there for afternoon tea as a special day a year and a half ago. I was going through breast cancer and horrible treatment. I had lost a lot of my self-confidence and just wanted to sit in a quiet place. Being in Bettys, I felt relaxed for the first time in ages and loved all the treats. The staff were lovely. I would love to visit again, post treatment, with some hair!

- Asma

Bettys is always a Mother’s Day treat because she only deserves the best! This year I plan on introducing my husband to the delight that is Bettys champagne afternoon tea for our anniversary.

- Joanne

My parents-in-law, Denis Aspland and Eileen Joyce Hancock, held their wedding reception at Bettys on Monday 28th December 1959. This year they will be celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Here they are cutting their wedding cake at Bettys.

- Debby

My mum and dad were in the queue at Bettys Harlow Carr with my son whilst I was in labour. When my husband phoned to say my daughter had been born, a member of staff must have overheard my mum being happy and subsequently gave her a golden wrapped chocolate heart. That's 10 years next week, and that kind and thoughtful act is still remembered, thank you. I ate it... but was probably most deserving.

- Kate

As a kid we lived in Africa and I was at boarding school at Harrogate Ladies College. The absolute highlight of my birthday each year was a Dougal cake from Bettys. Now I’m almost grown up (!) with a 26-year-old of my own, I have had the pleasure of introducing her to the wonders of Bettys and the delight that is Bettys Yorkshire Rarebit, with bacon of course. Now living abroad we don’t visit as often as we’d like but we sure make good when we do! Happy anniversary and many more to come.

- Amanda

I remember with lots of very fond memories how, when I was a small girl, Mumsie would take me to Bettys every Saturday in Bradford. What a weekly treat! My all-time favourite cake was the one which was made of puff pastry, pastry cream and on the top of the cake there was a kind of burnt sugar top. Mumsie would also order my birthday cakes from Bettys. One year my cake was in the shape of a piano. It was a very sad day when Bettys closed in Bradford. I no longer live in the Yorkshire area but we visited York’s Bettys Tea Rooms several years ago and my favourite cake was still being made and yes, I had one of these – I could have eaten two! – with my cup of tea. Thank you.

- Edwina

I found this in my late mum’s belongings. She used to work at Bettys. I think it is Frankie Howerd’s signature.

- Janet

We first discovered Bettys on moving to Yorkshire 30 years ago. Keen to introduce my sister-in-law to the local delicacy of curd tart, we visited Bettys in Northallerton, and in a very crowded shop I had a senior moment and asked for a ‘turd cart’. Amidst much laughter and some embarrassment, I did get what I required, but it was a while before I stepped foot into the Northallerton shop again, and I moved on to the much safer Fat Rascals.

- Russell

My mother and father who were business people in Leeds LS26 for over 35 years went to Bettys Leeds all their lives. Tony was their waiter every Monday evening, which was their half day off from their business; as I became old enough I would join them for tea after school followed by the theatre. Latterly we also have visited Harrogate, Harlow Carr and York for as long as I can remember, subsequently taking my parents. My father’s favourite is the rarebit and my mother always loved that as well as the cakes. When I was a child my parents would always buy Easter chocolate bunnies from Bettys. Our daughter who is now 14 has gone to Bettys since she was a week old. My husband and I visit every week whenever we can; at York we know many of the regulars and the majority of the staff know us very well. We love Bettys for its quality, wonderful ambience and of course it doesn’t matter what time of year: there is always a welcome.

- Brenda, Chris & Abigail

Today I served a table of five guests. They asked if I could guess what they were celebrating, and after a few guesses I conceded that no, I couldn’t. It turned out that the two ladies on that table who were maybe in their 40s were sisters who had just met that day as they’d been adopted! I didn’t know what to say, I was so thrilled for them, and they were clearly bowled over with joy. I ended up giving them all some fizz, as a moment like that should not go untoasted. Yes, they cried. I wanted to as well. It makes me realise how lucky I am to work in a place where that happens. These ladies had been apart for so long, and where do they choose to meet again? Not any other of the many fantastic places in York. Just right there with me. I’m so happy for those ladies, wherever they are. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of this. I’m so glad you’ve found each other again.

- Kathryn, a member of the team at Bettys York

Our mum was called Grace Elizabeth but everybody always called her Betty. She had a great deal of affection for the tea rooms that shared her name. Being presented with a box of Bettys Florentines for a birthday or Mother's Day made her whole face light up. It was probably the only time she would open chocolates or treats and take one out without offering them to everyone else first. When she was in her 80s and it was harder to go shopping, she'd spend ages pouring over the Bettys catalogue, picking out Christmas treats for us. Mum died five years ago. The beautiful box from the last Langues de Chat she tucked into the toe of my Christmas stocking (when I was in my mid-40s) still sits on the bookcase at the end of my bed where I see it every day. Ooh, they tasted good. Happy 100th birthday, Bettys.

- Sally

As a family we all have been coming to Bettys for many years, it’s our favourite place to be together! I have a funny tale to tell about taking my daughter Amelia to Bettys in York when she was only three. We had our usual lunch and then decided to visit the ladies before leaving. As Amelia was only little I usually went in the toilet cubicle with her but in this occasion she wanted to go in on her own. With strict instructions not to lock the door I allowed her to be a ‘big girl’ and go in on her own. Of course, she locked the door against instructions and then loudly proceeded to give me and everyone else a running commentary which included, “Mummy, there’s a hook on the door; is that to hang your knickers on?” Needless to say, this caused great amusement to all the very genteel ladies in the room! We had to get help to unlock the door from the ever-smiling staff but I still remember this incident despite the fact that Amelia is now 41 with children of her own. They also love Bettys and know all about their Mummy’s incident there when she was a little girl! Thank you for Bettys, you all do such a brilliant job. Long may it continue!

- Eileen

When our boys were small, we started having our holidays in Yorkshire and used to stay in York. Our treat while on holiday was to go into Bettys in for lunch; what a lovely lunch. The waitresses were lovely and we would often see the man in charge making sure that everything was running smoothly. As time went on, we would still visit Bettys and as we had come by train we would go and buy Fat Rascals for our journey on the train back to Kent. We still visit Bettys now, catch the train from Kent arrive in York, maybe visit the Railway Museum as we used to with the boys and then go for lunch at Bettys. What lovely memories we have of Bettys; thank-you.

- Lesley

Hello Bettys from Kirkwall, Orkney! I was born in York in 1947 and have many memories of Bettys from as long as I can remember right up to the present day. When I was young, I would go with my mother on a Saturday to meet my aunt for morning coffee at Bettys in St Helen's Square. It was one of the highlights of my childhood. My aunt was dressed to the nines, posh dress, coat with fox fur wrap, leather gloves and a light veil over her face. My mother also looked very smart with the obligatory hat etc but no veil. They both wore make-up. Over my 72 years I have visited Bettys whenever I have been in York. I was there last September and will be back this September for my cappuccino and vanilla slice. Congratulations on your 100 years in business.

- Anne

l worked in the bake house back in the 60s. It was a happy time in my life. I can remember some of the other people who worked there. Jessie Ratliffe and her husband who was in the stores. Mr Holdsworth or Ellsworth was the General Manager. There were other people but at the moment l am unable to recall their names. I can remember when the Café Imperial joined Bettys as their bakers came to join us. Many happy memories from days gone by. I helped make curd tarts, sausage rolls and put the sausage meat through the machine which you had to catch on a board so it could be rolled into the pastry. On a Saturday morning we had to be in for 6am to wash down the tables and machines and to give the floors a good scrub. When all was done we were able to buy the cakes at cost and could get fresh cream to take home which was a real treat.

- Ruth

From being a tiny child I have such wonderful memories of Bettys. On Sunday afternoons we would climb all over the Cow & Calf and then roar down to the Ilkley Bettys for tea and a toasted teacake. The beautiful wooden mosaic always fascinated me. Then there were visits to York (enjoying people-watching inside and out with those huge windows) and Harrogate (afternoon tea and enchanting music on a spectacular piano). Northallerton was linked to family holidays and discovering the outposts in Harlow Carr Gardens and down the road in York was cheering. As an adult travelling for work, Bettys was a moment of civilisation in a day of challenges. And discovering that Bettys had embraced online shopping ensured that Christmas could be improved by having yummy things delivered to Yorkshire folk in exile. So, great locations, glorious food and the most perfectly trained staff; no wonder they are pinched by Buckingham Palace! And now I think that I am going to have to organise a Yorkshire holiday...

- Caroline

My husband and I met in December and so decided to marry in that month too. It's the second time around for both of us and we consider ourselves lucky to have found each other. We now mark each special anniversary with a trip to Bettys. We love the Christmas feel and enjoy a special meal and a glass or two of champagne; the staff always make us feel very special. Thank you, Bettys of York.

- Joy Hanson

I went for a job interview in June 2013 and part of the process was a five-minute presentation based on something I was passionate about. I chose to talk about Bettys: from the founder, to the shops, to my wedding cake that was on order at the time of the interview, ready for my wedding in July 2013. I’m pretty sure that clinched it – I got the job and started in August 2013. I’ve been in the same position ever since and am still married!

- Lorraine

Bettys has been a family tradition for years. When we are together, three generations descend upon Bettys. It is where our grandchildren learn how to act in restaurants, use a knife for the first time and master pouring tea. The staff are so accommodating. Thanks, Bettys for so many precious memories as these photos taken over two years show.

- Dave, a grateful grandfather

My memory may be a little sad, but so poignant that I wanted to share it. Five years ago my sister had just finished a course of chemo following a breast cancer diagnosis. She knew this was terminal, and we set about doing all the things on her wish list. A visit to Bettys was highlighted as a priority; so I arranged a weekend in Harrogate along with one of her closest friends and we booked afternoon tea at Bettys. You so generously gave us complimentary champagne as we shared the ‘bucket list’ mission, and we had a wonderful afternoon there. Sadly she died soon after this visit but we have a lovely photo of her drinking champagne at Bettys that day and used this as a backdrop to her funeral service. A great memory and a wish fulfilled – thank you for making this so special.

- Penny

It's our 35th wedding anniversary this September. In 1984 on our way home from our honeymoon in Devon we called in to Bettys Harrogate for lunch with friends. The pianist in Bettys was informed of it being our honeymoon and launched into 'Here comes the Bride': my new husband leapt from his seat to do a runner whilst the rest of us roared with laughter. Luckily he came back and we have as a family been returning regularly to Bettys at every opportunity over the 35 years, often recalling the story and chuckling. It's amazing how life can be improved over a cup of tea and a Fat Rascal. Thank you. You are part of the rich tapestry of our family life.

- Polly

Congratulations on celebrating 100 years of perfection! The story I would like to share is that my Mum, Dad and Nanna all worked at Bettys York during World War II. Mum and Nanna were waitresses in the café and Dad worked in the bar downstairs which was then called The Dive. He told us all about the US Air Force men who loved to meet in the Dive before their next mission and how they signed the mirror. One young pilot gave my Dad his 'lucky pen' and asked him to keep it for him as he was coming back for it; sadly he never did. My Dad is now 98 years old and is amazing, I'm looking forward to his 100 years celebration too!

- Margaret

We have come to Bettys today to celebrate our diamond wedding anniversary. Bettys has always been a favourite place for us and brings back lovely memories for us because we had our wedding reception at Bettys on Darley Street in Bradford on 21st March 1959. Thank you for the service and experience and the complimentary Bettys Pink Champagne.

- Marie and Bernard

I remember with lots of very fond memories how when I was a small girl Mumsie would take me to Bettys every Saturday in Bradford. What a weekly treat! My all-time favourite cake was/is the one which is made of puff pastry, cream and on the top of the cake there was a 'burnt sugar top'. Mumsie would also order my birthday cakes from Bettys. One year my cake was in the shape of a piano. It was a very very sad day when Bettys closed in Bradford. I no longer live in the Yorkshire area, but we visited York Bettys Tea Rooms several years ago and my favourite cake was still being made and I had one of those. I could have eaten two with my cup of tea!

- Edwina

My Mother was born in Yorkshire in 1919, and she took me to Harrogate in about 1969, and we visited Bettys. In the garden adjacent to you a lady criticised my mini dress and reduced me to tears. A gentleman sitting there chastised her. I learned a valuable lesson, I will never ever comment on people’s appearance, smile, shake my head but never ever criticise. Fast forward a few years and I took my husband to visit you. The cake he chose had only two portions left, waitress said she didn’t think she could cut it in half successfully, would he mind if she gave him the whole piece, and of course only charge him for one. He said he was happy with that. He never ever forgot this and years later whenever I visit you I remember and smile. Bettys a place full of happy memories.

- Jennifer

I first discovered Bettys in York in 1980 when I came to Yorkshire to work at Pennine Radio in Bradford. I was very impressed, and rang my parents, saying that the next time they came up from Suffolk to visit I would take them to a wonderful tea shop, described it in details, finishing by saying "...and you have to queue round the block, it is so popular, and it is called Bettys"... There was a gasp down the phone. It turned out that before I was born, my parents - an Army family - had been stationed near York in the 1940s, and had enjoyed many visits to Bettys. Their response was how wonderful it was that their favourite place had not only survived, but thrived. So many thanks from two generations of my family. May you thrive for another 100 years!

- Alastair

When I was 7, I went to Bettys in Northallerton most Sundays after Church. I always had milk and a teacake! At the age of 16, I did work experience there and had the absolute privilege of being offered a job as a waitress through my college years. It was such a lovely time as you feel like a part of the Bettys family and I would have stayed there forever if I could. I still miss it! I now live in Essex with my husband and two children but every time I visit I ensure I come in for a vanilla slice and a pot of tea. We get them to have at home as much as I can get away with too! My daughter came in when she was a few months old and my son Ralph was in Bettys at 3 weeks.

- Alexandra

Hailing from New Zealand, my Mum and I took a once in a lifetime trip to the UK in 2010. We spent a week in York and would visit Bettys every day for lunch or afternoon tea. It was the most wonderful holiday and our sojourns to Bettys were a highlight of the trip. I frequently order a Bettys hamper from your website so we can relive the special café moments at home.

- Kirsty

My husband and I had our wedding reception in the Belmont Room at York. All we can say is, wow. The food was delicious, the service was amazing, and I had tea at the top table. What more could we want? We came back for afternoon tea on our 1st anniversary and will continue this little tradition every year. Bettys will always hold a special place in our heart.

- Samantha

There are so many of my memories hidden inside a Fat Rascal. My dad used to visit York regularly for work and would always bring one back for me. I’d love seeing him walk in with that paper bag. Sadly, he’s not with us now but I can’t go near a Bettys without smiling.

- Nicola

My husband and I got married in Harrogate so to celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary we did a ‘Bettys-thon’; we visited all six cafes in one week. We look forward to repeating it for our Golden Wedding Anniversary.

- Beverly

My husband’s nana was one of the pastry chefs at Ilkley 40 or so years ago. As a boy, he would cycle from Guiseley every weekend for a custard slice. Though we live in Harrogate now, he still cycles, still regularly visits Bettys, and always enjoys a custard slice. His love for them has been passed on to our whole family.

- Jacqui

My daughter was born in Harrogate, but we moved when she was 12 weeks old. To celebrate her 10th birthday we surprised her with a trip to Harrogate for a wonderful afternoon tea. She especially loved it when the pianist played Happy Birthday to her.

- Lisa

Ever since my daughter was two we have enjoyed a Christmas Eve tradition of enjoying breakfast at Bettys in Harrogate.

- Leanne

Visits to Bettys helped my mum and I become closer since she recovered from a major illness. We now visit every month for lunch on a Saturday and celebrate special occasions in the Belmont suite. We always have a great time and find the staff to be very attentive and professional. I always recommend Bettys to friends as the place to go if you visit York.

- Janine

My parents, Anne and John, had their wedding breakfast at Bettys in Harrogate on 17th February 1958. Over the years, my Mum and Dad shared many happy memories of their special day at Bettys and, because of that, it always meant a lot to me when I visited a branch as a child.

- Jill

When I first met my husband in 1978, he took me to Bettys in York for my first ever visit. I was 22 years old then! Over the years, we have visited almost all of the Bettys, but mainly York. We have taken my parents, friends and our son from being a new baby. I even went to Bettys in York to celebrate my 60th birthday. The lovely waitress brought a cake with candle to our table before we left.

- Anne

My great great grandparents celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with a cake from Bettys in 1934. My great aunt had the task of holding the cake all the way from Harrogate to Withernsea in the back of her parents’ car. She said it was nerve wracking as the car jolted across a journey that seemed to take forever. Sadly my great aunt passed away a few years back but while I lived abroad, I could continue to send her Bettys gifts from the website – she loved the gift boxes. It was a very special place for her.

- Katie

A visit to Bettys in Harrogate for lunch on Christmas Eve has been a longstanding tradition in my family. Even having to wait a little longer to sit in the main tea rooms will not spoil the event. I can remember one very cold and snowy Christmas when they had a real fire in the fireplace and we were lucky enough to be seated next to it whilst a pianist played carols on the grand piano. The food is always superb, so thank you Bettys for some very happy memories!

- Anne-Marie

My fiancée and I had our first date at Bettys Northallerton on 3rd January 2015. Our love blossomed, as we are now engaged. Every year we return on the same day, to celebrate the anniversary of our first meeting. We enjoy visits to all Bettys branches, but Northallerton will always have a special place in our hearts.

- Ian

We come from Northern Ireland but always try to visit Bettys if on a trip to England. We were staying at Windermere last week and took a trip to Bettys on 17th July, which was the Bettys birthday celebration so it was very exciting. We got a birthday card and my husband won one of the celebration mugs which was lovely. I bought the teabag tin and some fancies which are always a treat for the family when I come home. Many thanks.

- Joyce

It was sometime in the late 60s back when Bettys on Stonegate was known as the Kiosk. My mum and her friends used to meet in town and during the school holidays we children were included in the party. How I longed for a cake from the trolley, never forthcoming. I don’t know who decided that hide and seek would be a good game. I don’t remember who decided that under the table where the waitresses were storing crockery was a good place to hide. I believe it was my sister who pulled the tablecloth to hide us. The crash was deafening, the parental recriminations terrible. My mother, red faced, hustled her offspring out as did the other mummies involved. We didn’t return to the Stonegate café for many years, transferring our custom to ‘big Bettys’. Bettys has always been a lovely café; I celebrated my engagement with coffee at Stonegate, my 50th birthday with afternoon tea at Harrogate and our 30th wedding anniversary with afternoon tea In York. Please forgive me for my part in the great crockery smash of 1968.

- Anne

We booked our wedding reception at Bettys in York (jazz pianist, wood panels etc.) but were told two weeks before the wedding that it had been double-booked and they cancelled our booking. As compensation, Bettys offered to send us some edibles. We told them the address of our hastily changed reception venue but on the morning of the wedding, Bettys sent the pastries to the wrong place in Harrogate. They were then diverted to our new venue, arriving at the same time as our guests. It was all a bit nail-biting! Fortunately, we are still happily married!

- Lesley

I have always loved Bettys from being a little girl and it was always a treat to be taken there from the 1950s onwards. I have lived in Ilkley for many years and it is still a pleasure to go there. In 2015 my daughter suggested we went to Bettys with two of my granddaughters for tea while we waited for a third granddaughter to have her ballet lesson. We had a lovely time as usual and l was surprised and delighted when the waitress brought a little cake box for the two girls. Inside were two fondant fancies. She told us how impressed she was with the girls’ impeccable good manners and said such good behaviour should be rewarded. I’ve never forgotten that moment; we felt so proud of them! A wonderful gesture from Bettys.

- Sheila

My wife and I had always wanted to visit Yorkshire especially Haworth. When we finally made it and stayed in Haworth we were able to visit Harrogate and take an afternoon tea at Bettys. What a wonderful day we had. All of the people we met were friendly and Bettys staff absolutely wonderful. After our tea we spent time in the shop buying more delicious items to enjoy later. Bettys met both our expectations; our dream came true and Bettys did not disappoint. We are planning our return soon.

- Stephen

We brought a small group of South African teachers and students who were visiting Upton Primary school, for a visit to York. One of the highlights for us all was our Headmasters treat to Bettys. I’d been quite a few times before with my family so was able to tell them a little bit of history about Bettys tea rooms. They were amazed at the cakes! Thank you for the memories and happy birthday.

- Barbara

My mum used to tell me that I first visited Bettys when I was only a few months old with her and my grandma in 1957. She was born in 1929 and first visited it when she was a little girl: it was a family tradition. We lived in Selby and no visit to York was complete without a tea and cake, in my case a vanilla slice, but I am also partial to a toasted tea cake. Nowadays it’s just me and my husband but I do remember lots of visits to celebrate birthdays etc with Mum and Dad and Grandma and Grandad. On my husband’s first visit my mum insisted on him having a Fat Rascal, something he loves to this day. There’s one left in the freezer from my last visit! It wasn’t just visiting the tea room, it was buying bread and cakes to go home with. After my mum died my dad just wanted to visit for lunch with me and have fish and chips, something she loved to do. So my husband and I did the same after he died and toasted them with a cup of tea. Every time I come to York still, three or four times a year, I come back with a hold-all of bread and cakes. Thank you for the memories.

- Julie

We have a tradition of having lunch at Bettys, York on 23rd December for our 'Christmas' Carol's birthday. This goes back some 35 years! When our son joined us for his first talking/walking visit he made us laugh by asking innocently: "When we go into Bettys will I have to take my shoes off?" Something we recall every time we visit...

- Kim and Carol Francis

My husband and I were treated to a delicious afternoon tea by our relatives, for our 35th wedding anniversary. Wishing the team at Bettys a very happy birthday. Hoping that many generations to follow get to enjoy your hospitality.

- Helen

I remember when Bettys was on the opposite corner opposite the Cenotaph in the 1950s. My mother had her wedding reception there. The present Bettys used to be the Café Imperial at this time. I lived in Harrogate in the 50s and 60s and so I know Bettys well. My husband and I revisit every year and spend a lot of time in Bettys, morning, noon and night! We have a funny story to tell. We were having a meal in Bettys in Harrogate next to a family who were enjoying their tea and cakes. The waitress was approaching the table with a chosen cake. Their young boy called out, “Daddy, your tart is coming.” Those around had a good laugh.

- Janet

As a family we moved to Yorkshire in my third year of high school in Harrogate and have fond memories of Bettys becoming a place of pure celebration for the family: GCSE results, A-Level results and degree results for my sister and I. Followed by pre- and post-surgery/ operation treats, Christmas Eve breakfast, 21st birthdays and significant events such as promotions (for my sister and I) and retirement of our parents. My celebration of choice for my own 40th birthday this month was lunch at Bettys Harlow Carr with my mum and sister, during which a lit candle was popped into my strawberry tartlet by our lovely waitress. When I returned to work in Cheshire, my team surprised me with two champagne afternoon tea vouchers for Bettys Harrogate, as I talk so fondly of it. Many happy times and although we have historically always kept Bettys as a treat, we do find ourselves more and more heading past the Cenotaph in Harrogate for what is, and always has been, a faultless experience. Many thanks for the memories.

- Rachel

I owe my existence to Bettys but not perhaps in the usual manner. Kathleen Thompson, from a railway family and one of 12, met a young shopfitter doing the decorating at Bettys as inspired by the trip on the Queen Mary. Romance ensued and, upon becoming engaged, Kathleen moved from York to London. She was an assistant at Stead and Simpson's shoe shop so her role was transferred between branches. In London the relationship between them soured. By all accounts, the future mother in law didn't approve and made her opinion known. Thus the relationship ended. Now young, free and single, Kathleen joined a social club. Edward Piercy, the young man taking the phone bookings for a friend one afternoon made a huge impression on her. Grandma said that his voice transfixed her and indeed within months they married. He proposed to her at the heart of the maze at Hampton Court Palace. Their marriage lasted until his death in 1984. So second time lucky for Kathleen in the whirlwind relationships stake. We still went to Bettys when in York. Relatives took me there for my own 18th birthday, as I was at The Mount School. I treasure our Bettys story and continue the story by taking our niece and nephew to the Harrogate branch.

- Sarah

I’ve been to all of the Bettys cafés; they are all excellent. It’s so hard to choose what to have because everything is scrumptious. I remember going to a café in Leeds which I think was Bettys. The café was upstairs and they served delicious cakes, it was very hard to choose. The shop was downstairs and they sold the most fantastic bread. We always bought two French sticks, one we ate as soon as we got home with lashings of butter then the other one was for tea. The cafés remind me of the happy times with my lovely mother spent there. If it wasn't Bettys, it should have been!

- Linda

I walk past Bettys on my way to school every day and love seeing the changing window display. I have come here every year for my birthday since I was 10 and now I am 15. As always, it is simply delightful!

- Nicole

I visited Bettys in 1982 while on my honeymoon. We booked into The Alexander Court Hotel where our hosts, George & Elizabeth Keeler, treated us wonderfully. Each morning over breakfast, they would recommend places to visit while we spent our day walking around Harrogate. Naturally, having lunch at Bettys was on their list of must-dos while in town. And Bettys did not disappoint! What I remember even more than the lovely tea and 'cress sandwiches, were the very kind and accommodating staff at Bettys that helped make our visit so memorable. I'm hoping to return to Harrogate this June, with my son (who's based in London) - and will make certain to stop in for tea at Bettys!

- Nancy

On a trip to Bettys Northallerton last year, my father opened up about the time he spent in the town as an evacuee in 1940. I hadn’t known until then that the site of the café tearoom was once the Bank House where he stayed. During our visit he remembered the layout of the house as it had been when he was 17 and remarked on how it had changed over the years. The entrance looks the same and the internal hall was exactly as it had been in 1940. He remembered the stairs going up to the first floor where his bedroom was situated. After that, the rest of the building is quite different these days. There was a sitting room to the right, where the shop is now located, and a dining room to the left. The tearoom has probably taken the space that once housed the kitchen and the carpark at the rear of the building used to be a walled garden. Being in the area always brings back what memories my father has and, during our trip to Bettys, he enjoyed retelling the tales from this time. He has clear memories of making music at the parish church under the direction of the organist, Gerry Wilson. Something that helped shape his future when he became a music teacher and accompanist. Even now, he can still turn out a tune, so those days practising in Northallerton have definitely been put to good use! My father has very fond memories of his time living in Northallerton and visiting Bettys brought back so many of the happy times he had there as a child.

- Barbara

Since moving to Harrogate 42 years ago, we have been regular customers of the Harrogate and York tearooms and, since 2004, Harlow Carr. The standard of food and service has always been high, and we admired the way the cafes evolved in the 1980s. Although we are now in our mid-70s, we look forward to many more meals at Bettys in the coming years. John recently celebrated his 75th birthday at the Harlow Carr branch and the waiter very kindly produced a small birthday sponge from the kitchen to mark the occasion. A very nice gesture! Congratulations again on reaching 100 not out.

- John and Margaret

We celebrated my Great Aunt’s 90th birthday by visiting Bettys in Harrogate. Auntie Joyce had a fabulous afternoon and pronounced it one of the best she’d ever had. We all thought it was a wonderful afternoon tea and it holds very special memories for us. Sadly, her husband died a short time later and our visit to Bettys was the last time we saw him. We would dearly love to take Auntie Joyce there again to bring back some happy memories.

- Sue

I have always loved Bettys but, since they helped me create my dream wedding cake, I am totally in love with them. It’s simply the best.

- Claire

We came to Yorkshire to visit my brother in Guiseley and stopped for tea and cake. We saw a house for sale in Ilkley and, a few months later, had left London behind. Bettys was definitely a catalyst that changed our life forever.

- Eirian

My Italian grandad worked in Bettys in York as a chef for nearly 50 years and it was where he met my grandmother. He spotted her when she went there for dinner and he came up from the kitchens. After a whirlwind romance, they were married and enjoyed 49 years together. If it wasn’t for Bettys, they may never have met.

- Charlotte

When I was little, my Nana would always bring home a Bettys cream cake from York after her Saturday afternoon shopping expedition. I always used to be amazed by the way they were wrapped in the most amazing boxes with ribbon. She never had a lot of money, so I guess this was probably a little treat to herself. It made me happy to see how much she enjoyed it. My affection for Bettys started there and, when I’m in York, a Bettys cream cake finds its way home with me in her memory.

- Craig

Having frequented Bettys as a child with my mum and gran, the tradition has continued. My now husband and I had numerous dates there since we met. So, we both decided that the Imperial Rooms at Bettys Harrogate was the perfect wedding location for us to celebrate. Since our wedding, we have celebrated three anniversaries there and I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been beautifully perfect in every way.

- Victoria

I think my love of Bettys has come from my Grandmother whose name was actually Betty! She lived in Harrogate for most of her life and would take tea there every week until she was unable to walk. When I was a little girl I used to visit her with my parents. My mother and I would walk down to the tea room and bring her back a curd tart and some Fat Rascals. My Gran is no longer with us, but I will definitely carry on the tradition of visiting Bettys with my niece.

- Nicola

Having been born and bred in Yorkshire, Bettys was always part of my life. When I met my husband to be, we used to sneak away from work and cemented our relationship over Bettys tea and Yorkshire rarebit! My eldest son lives in Harrogate and Bettys is just as a big a part of his life. Every year, my granddaughter asks to be sent to the Cookery School as her Christmas present. I’m so glad that we have passed on our love a such a great company.

- Ann

My memories are of a wonderful room in Bettys in York city centre. I worked for many years at the Halifax on Davygate in York, literally a stone's throw from Bettys. At the end of a tiring or a hot day, it was always pleasant for a group of us to unwind at Bettys. However, this wasn't in the tea rooms, but in a basement bar. The room was amazing, with wooden panels and mirror glass which had a number of signatures and dedications on them. I was later told that the tea room was a favourite of bomber aircrew based around the outskirts of the city. They would come in to relax and unwind and many of them signed the mirrors to mark their patronage. It was very easy to understand why they came: the location was great and the room very easy to relax in, just as we did a couple of generations later. I do hope that you can share this experience with a public exhibition of the mirrors. They wonderfully encapsulate the happiness and relaxation, even for a short time, enjoyed by anyone and everyone. Kindest thoughts and regards, from a now Sussex-based northerner.

- Chris

We just love visiting Bettys at Ilkley and Harlow Carr. My cousin who lives in Bexhill-on-Sea says it's the highlight of visiting Yorkshire. My first experience wasn't entirely a success when in 1967 I visited Bettys in Harrogate – when it was across the road – with a friend and we were asked to leave because we were not spending 2s and 6 pence each. We were aged 16 at the time!

- Maria

I spent three years at university in York and whenever my mum and dad came up to visit they would take me to Bettys for lunch. It was always a very special treat. Now when I return to York with my university friends, some 25 years on, we always make sure we stop at Bettys, normally for a round of cinnamon toast and I take home a bag of Fat Rascals for my family. It is still a wonderful place to visit.

- Victoria

My mum and her sister always used to treat themselves back in the 1970s in Harrogate Bettys. They used to have a cream meringue. One day my two year-old sister was there and wanted one too but they couldn’t afford three. So my sister had one and my mum and auntie had to share. My sister later told my dad that she had had a whole ‘burrang’. We’ve called meringue burrang ever since!

- Hev

My wife and I married on leap year day in 1992. It was a second marriage for both of us, so whilst the best man looked after our children, we made a beeline for Bettys in Harrogate to enjoy coffee and cake. We’ve celebrated our anniversary there every year since, on the day whenever possible.

- Stephen & Anne

We lived and worked in Northallerton in the 1990s and used to regularly visit the small tea room. It eventually was upgraded to the bigger and better Bettys that it is today with its wonderful orangery. The style of the tea room I admired a lot and when I moved all the way to New Zealand in 2010 I styled my kitchen on the colours and materials of Bettys, Northallerton complete with Bettys cake tins on display. I have been back to the UK a couple of times over the last nine years and each time I always visit the fabulous tea rooms.

- Andrea

So many memories... which ones to choose? I’ve been coming since I was a child, from special birthday cakes to curd tarts for tea; weekly trips from school with friends for hot chocolate and whipped cream and now that we’ve moved away it’s the pilgrimage to Bettys that we most look forward to: for Bettys breakfast or lunch and some treats to take home to keep the Bettys memories alive. There’s never a trip to Yorkshire without a trip to Bettys.

- Candy

For many years I ran ladies’ Christmas charity coach trips from Manchester to York. I would advise my ladies to take tea at Bettys and to get there early to allow for queuing but mainly so they could just enjoy relaxing in such a lovely place with delicious food. To walk into the warmth of Bettys and be greeted by the sight of many friends sat laughing and chatting surrounded by their bags of Christmas treasures is a very special memory. Nowadays, my husband and I will just jump in the car and head to mooch around Harrogate and have tea in Bettys. He often asks the pianist to play ‘La Vie en Rose’ for me, even though it’s his least favourite song! The latest Bettys happy memory: introducing our baby granddaughter Mae to her first Bettys lunch on our way back from a Yorkshire holiday – perfect!

- Jan

When I first joined Martins Bank in 1965 it was a tradition that you bought cakes on your birthday. It was always special if they were bought from Bettys which was then situated opposite St Peters Church. My favourite was one we called Elephant Feet as they were so large. They were heart shaped, filled with confectioner’s custard with a sugary, crispy top. They were delicious but now I wonder how many calories I consumed!

- Rosalyn

We first moved to Harrogate from Kent in 1975. My husband commuted to Leeds each day, our five children were in schools and I knew no one. Bettys, at that time, was in much smaller premises in Cambridge Crescent. Always a popular venue, customers were sometimes asked, “Do you mind sharing a table?” Perfect for me. Never short of conversation, my opening query was always, “Are you from Harrogate?” Nine times out of 10 the answer was, “No I moved here X years ago,” and so the conversation ‘took off’. I learned so much about the town, the history, the important yearly events, the residents and the visitors from all over the world who came to Bettys because of its wonderful reputation. The other side of the story: I was invited to a wedding of a friend of friends whilst visiting Washington DC. Wandering out on the veranda to admire the view, a young, tall and very good-looking young man asked me where I was from. “The UK,” I replied. “Whereabouts?” “The North of England,” I replied. “Where?” he persisted, “Harrogate, Yorkshire,” I answered. “Ah! Bettys.” He said with such a sigh of longing. “I was at Menwith Hill for 18 months. Bettys, my all-time favourite.” So you see, word does travel and your reputation with it. Since then, over the years our in-laws, our five children, their spouses, our 12 grandchildren, their cousins, friends and our friends from all over Europe, the USA, New Zealand, Thailand, etc. have enjoyed a visit to Bettys of Yorkshire and taken home wonderful memories and photos of a very special and unique experience, whether in Harrogate, Harlow Carr Gardens, York, Northallerton, or Ilkley. Many congratulations on your centenary and thank you for the last 44 years!

- Barbara

In January 1960 I had just moved to Harrogate to get a job. There I met a young lady called Greta. Come October of that year we were married. Our reception was held in Bettys (I still have the invoices); it was to be the start of 53 years of happy married life. After a few years we moved away from Harrogate and never went back. Greta sadly died in 2013. A year after and to celebrate her birthday I managed to get the whole family together in Harrogate. There we enjoyed afternoon tea at Bettys, a very happy and memorable occasion. I was surprised when I read about Bettys anniversary date. Why? It just happens to be my eldest granddaughter’s birthday!

- Brian

My parents lived in York and met at a dance at the Assembly Rooms. Shortly after they had their first date at Bettys in York. It was always a very special place for them and they would visit often. Later in their lives they could not believe it when I was appointed Manager there – they were so proud.

- Sally

The photograph shows four generations of my grandmother, Megan Murfitt’s family. Megan was born and bred in the fens, so very flat unlike beautiful Yorkshire, in 1917. She told me for many years she was born in 1918; it wasn’t until I discovered and checked her birth certificate in 2016 that we discovered she was actually 99 and not 98 as she thought, so for all my lifetime we have celebrated her 51st, 61st, 71st birthdays and so on. She loves Bettys and has visited many different ones over the years. I order online goodies for her from time to time. My grandmother Megan loves Bettys Harrogate: it is her favourite, as she saw it in an episode of ‘Emmerdale Farm’, many, many years ago and thought how wonderfully splendid it looked. For her 100th birthday, she wanted to go to Yorkshire, Northumberland and Scotland, hence we are all wearing ‘Megan’s 100 year tour’ jackets. Harrogate and Bettys was our first stop. The kindness and generosity of your staff and guests was humbling. She was thoroughly spoilt and had a wonderful afternoon.

- Julie

We have just celebrated our silver wedding anniversary and although we live in Surrey the two celebration cakes just had to come from Bettys. Nothing but the best!

- Janet

As a small girl growing up in the 1960s near Harrogate, I used to have wonderful shopping trips with my Granny (Dorothy Reynolds). She spoiled me and we would end our day here in Bettys Harrogate for afternoon tea. It was such a treat and in those years of the 1960s the premises were smaller, with dark panelling and less windows, but made a big impression on me. No pianist though, slightly hard chairs, willow back, I recall! Now I visit with my husband and we love the service, delicious food and the best staff – it always feels like an occasion! Here’s to the next 100 years…

- Louise

Ever since I was little, Bettys has always been an integral part of my life. From afternoon teas with my parents (the staff always gave my sister and I colouring crayons and paper when we were little), to celebratory cakes on birthdays (the fondant fancy one for a 1950s themed 16th birthday party was a particular favourite), to the one Christmas morning I woke up to find a hand-piped gingerbread house at the end of my bed, Bettys has forever been the cornerstone of a Worth family event. My sister worked at the Harlow Carr branch for several years and I even remember being asked to test her on the history of Bettys tea collection! However, my fondest memories have to be while I was at University. My mother used to send me Bettys parcels to my college in Cambridge, which the porters would have to sign for. One of the porters was from Skipton so recognised the Bettys font instantly - I knew there were treats to collect when I received an email simply marked "cake"!

- Susanna

I have the fondest memories of Bettys. From 1994-1997, I served with the U.S. Army at Menwith Hill and would often venture into Harrogate with my daughters, Lindsay and Victoria. Our trips always included reservations at Bettys and my favourite pastry, the Fat Rascal. Any time my family visited us, the highlight of their trip included Bettys. When she was studying abroad in London, Victoria returned to Bettys in Harrogate with her girlfriends and created her own special memories. She now bakes scones in her own home and shares them with her family. Served with clotted cream, homemade jams, and Bettys tea.

- Kathy

I have been coming to Bettys since 1947 when I was seven years old. Visits to York, Harrogate, Ilkley, and Northallerton would always include a trip to Bettys. We have enjoyed your cookery school and many talks in your cafés. I know your husband will not remember but we were first to arrive to his talk about “Who Was Betty”. A young man came in and told us he was the speaker and was a bit nervous. I told him to relax, breathe deeply, and that he we would be fine. He looked my way during his talk and I smiled and nodded. What I didn’t know at the time was that this man was Bettys. It was a lovely evening and he was so interesting. I am so pleased that Mr Belmont got off the train in Bradford and started his business in Yorkshire. My mum died in 2005, but she would have loved to know that Bettys had made 100 years. Congratulations for July 17th and may your cafés be full for the next 100 years.

- Christine

Bettys Harlow Carr was the destination for my first outing with new-born twins. The staff are really lovely and welcoming. Even the Fat Rascals smile.

- Sophie

I fell in love with Betty's when my mum used to take me for tea and cakes in the still missed Leeds branch and have been in love with it ever since.

- Beverly

I love the marzipan apples! I travel from Hartlepool to York just to buy some along with some Fat Rascals too.

- Andrew

As I stepped through the door, I saw a Fat Rascal giving me the eye! It was love at first sight. I tried not to meet his gaze, but he must have seen me looking as it didn't take him long to come across to our table. His cheeky face, nutty smile, and fruity fragrance bowled me over and we now go on regular dates together.

- Lynn

Bettys is a firm favourite with myself and my grandma. Every time we visit York, we head to Bettys. Once my daughter was born she became part of our special tradition. She had her first trip on my birthday where she enjoyed a Little Rascals rarebit whilst we enjoyed a champagne afternoon tea.

- Clare

My husband asked me to be his wife, using my Granny’s engagement ring, in a little corner of Bettys Northallerton.

- Emma

My grandma and grandad had their wedding cake made by Bettys in 1940 and were given a lovely photograph of it as a lasting memory. I was always reminded of it whenever I saw the vintage cake in Bettys Ilkley window.

- Jayne

As a family, we’ve been coming to Bettys since I was a little girl. It’s always been my favourite and I celebrated my 21st birthday with breakfast in your lovely Harrogate Tea Rooms. Just over a year later, we came for an indulgent lunch of alpine macaroni and fondant fancies. This time there was a special guest in my tummy as it was on my due date! There was no sign of the baby yet but, a few months later, we took her on her very first trip to Bettys.

- Summer

Bettys has so many memories for me as it was my first employer. I started work at 16 as a trainee chef in the York branch. I met lifelong friends and we shared many happy times together. I am proud to tell people I trained at Bettys. Over the years, we have visited many of the branches but my most memorable moment was taking afternoon tea in Bettys Harrogate. It was a very special afternoon that I was able to share with my mum, niece, and best friend.

- Christina

Bettys is a truly delightful and magnificent place to indulge in exquisite confectionary. I love the vintage flare and think the afternoon teas are to die for. They are a must for any celebration. I have brought family from America, Thailand, and Italy to try the food. Bettys never disappoints. I have attended chocolate courses and can always be persuaded to enjoy the beautiful cakes and biscuits in the shop.
I was first introduced to Bettys when I was completing my business course at school. It helped guide me towards my goal of setting up a small cupcake and chocolate shop in the future. Since then it has been a must amongst my friends when they visit. Nobody can turn down a lovely Lady Betty Afternoon Tea.

- Charlotte

Our daughter’s first outing after being born was afternoon tea at Harlow Carr. She was only 12 days old and weighed 4lb 4. In her first 17 months, we took her a further 58 times. Every member of staff recognises her now.

- Andrea

My husband and I had our wedding reception at the Harrogate tearoom. It was the most amazing day; we visit every year to mark the anniversary. The proposal also took place in the Ilkley Tea Rooms. This year I will be taking my cousin to celebrate her 30th birthday and the impending arrival of her twins. You could say that we’re slightly addicted.

- Jane

Bettys put a smile on my face when my husband took me there for afternoon tea as a special day a year and a half ago. I was going through breast cancer and horrible treatment. I had lost a lot of my self-confidence and just wanted to sit in a quiet place. Being in Bettys, I felt relaxed for the first time in ages and loved all the treats. The staff were lovely. I would love to visit again, post treatment, with some hair!

- Asma

Bettys is always a Mother’s Day treat because she only deserves the best! This year I plan on introducing my husband to the delight that is Bettys champagne afternoon tea for our anniversary.

- Joanne

My boyfriend and I are in a long-distance relationship and, during his first visit to the UK, he was desperate to visit York and go to Bettys. I’ve been going to the York branch with my mum since I was little, so he had heard countless stories about the amazing afternoon tea and the great piano playing. In the end, we spent three nights in York and ate at Bettys as often as we could. It will always be very special to us as it was the venue for our first holiday together.

- Ainsley

Walking into Bettys for the first time was magical as it took me back to my childhood. I remembered sitting at my Nannas on a Sunday afternoon with all the family, sharing special memories whilst eating finger food from her best china. Bettys has a special and unique quality that lasts a lifetime and the food is mouth-wateringly delicious.

- Leanne

Bettys is about the experience: the pastries, biscuits, scones, cakes, and candies are all wonderful. The presentation is beautiful, and the service is so kind. The entire package is the feeling given to each person. No matter whether they are peeking through the windows, making a special purchase, or having tea, they are made to feel like a special customer. Bettys creates the magic and wonderful memories for people. It is indeed a very special establishment. I will take this feeling with me forever.

- Crystal

My falling in love moment was when we entered: the fantastic service, the stunning chandeliers, and the piano playing. I adore your Eggs Benedict and always finish with a fondant fancy. We were a little dubious on our first visit as we took our son who has special needs. He can be prone to random loud noises or becoming distressed. I explained this to your lovely staff and they sat us somewhere quiet and tended to our every need. He loves visiting you and he samples lots of the delicious goodies as often as we can.

- Chantelle