Bettys York, a review.

A Quick Overview

Cuisine: Swiss-British Tea Rooms

Price: ££

Location: 6-8 St. Helens Square, York, GB YO1 8QP

Food: Historic tea room offering sandwiches, light lunches and handcrafted biscuits, scones and other baked goods

Vibes/Aesthetic: Traditional and classy

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Bettys, York

Visited: 27/01/2024

Bettys in York carries a rich history that traces its roots back to Switzerland. The founder, Fritz, after facing adversity eventually found his calling as a confectioner and chocolatier. Settling in Harrogate, he opened the first Bettys in 1919 with the support of his wife's family.

The exterior of Bettys in York exudes charm, adorned with light York stone and vintage signage. The long queue suggests something good is lurking inside. And despite the length, it moved quickly and we were swiftly ushered inside. The interiors are well maintained and inspired by the 1930's British ocean liners and the two-story establishment boasts a spacious dining hall on street level with a bright clean space.

Although the aesthetics of the tea room was beautiful the service left something to be desired. Staff attentiveness was lacking, leading to occasional delays in placing orders, receiving the bill and getting water that was requested. This could however be partly due to the busyness of the restaurant.

To drink I had a strawberry milkshake which was what one dreads when you get a milkshake it was thin instead of sweet and creamy and was thoroughly disappointing. But the tea with antique looking crockery was beautiful.

Opting for the bacon and raclette rosti as my main dish, I anticipated a signature Swiss delight. However, the portion felt more like a side (especially for £18), lacking a salad accompaniment to balance the richness of the cheese - it just looked rather sad all alone on the plate. Although the rosti had a satisfying texture with well cooked potatoes that were crispy on the outside, it failed to live up to Bettys' fame. While the fishcake another member of my party had, had substantial flakes of fish and a perfectly poached egg, the culinary experience overall didn't leave a lasting impression.

While a visit to Bettys is perhaps a cultural trip when in York, the overall dining experience could be improved. I would definitely return for their baked goods (gooey rascal - yes, that's really its name, in particular). But the café itself fell short of perhaps my lofty expectations. Maybe the afternoon tea is better...

5.5/10