Pre-booking is recommended, simple and excellent online service. For a basic afternoon tea service, this one checks all the standard categories of decent fare, lovely service, and quaint surroundings, complete with live music. The sandwiches and scones during the service are all you can order. Their tea sandwich selection are actually quite nice. The scones are really good and not too rich or too dry. The sweets are either excellent or overpowering. And definitely visit the tea shop to determine your tea favorites prior to visiting the tea room to best assess the quality of the tea. The Assam and black teas we're very good. The floral variety on the mild side. And the green and white teas, very mild necessitating lots of extra steeping time. read more

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My love for Betty's just seems to grow even more each time I visit. This time, I was drawn in by a wonderfully temping window display of.........Ganache Starfish and Marzipan Crabs! I swear, I really am 23 and not 2. I just HAD to go in and buy one...or two....nah I'm lying I bought four! Not all for me (sadly) the boyfriend, Mum & Dad all got treated to a delicious smiley starfish. Even my boyfriend (who likes to be a man's man...bless him) bought 4 baby strawberry cheesecake cakes to impress his parents at dinner that evening. The cakes were divine and as always, the service was faultless. The polite, efficient and friendly staff really are a credit to this charming tea room. read more

Oh Bettys... On returning to the Motherland, I have to admit I'm a sucker and always take a wee trip out here. Why the cry of Bettys? Well you have to go to understand what effect this place has on people. I can't think of many other places where I would be willing to queue to get coffee or afternoon tea. (A concept that is unheard of in Glasgow!) So once you've queued all that time, what next? You are seated at these beautiful marble tables and served by immaculately turned out members of staff. The food on the menus is has lots of great Yorkshire provenance, and draws on the Swiss roots of the family. Another plus point in my eyes is the menu that changes according to season, making sure everything is fresh. If you're in the the full Bettys experience hit the afternoon tea option. You won't be disappointed, and it all comes presented on the old fashioned stands. It's definitely worth asking for the cake trolley to be brought over, I'm just warning you that you'll want one of everything! Next necessary thing to do is try the teas and the coffees. I have to admit that since I left Yorkshire, I still buy my coffee from Bettys and have it shipped up... I can't beat it! I love the Kenyan peaberry as well as the Columbian blend. This is not an everyday coffee destination, well certainly not on my wages! I have a very soft spot for this place though, probably made biased by the fact I was a poster child for them when I was very small. But for a treat out to somewhere where the service is flawless and cafe is immaculate, I can't fault it. I realise that there is a certain level of snobbery attached to this establishment, but ignore it. These guys are famous for what they do for a reason. If you're put off by people having afternoon tea in traditional settings, then Bettys is not for you. My top tip? If you've not filled yourself up with tasty cakes, make sure you buy a Fat Rascal to take home with you. You won't regret it! read more

Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms - Marzipan pumpkins, ghosty cakes AND owl cakes? SOLD! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ilkley, XWY

Betty's is world famous, something which I find quite ridiculous as it is, after all, just a tea room. I'm not quite sure why Betty's tea rooms are so renowned. Perhaps it's the quaint little interiors, or the delicate little sandwiches and cakes, or the tea (tea is important in Yorkshire), or the fact that it's a haven for the elderly. It's probably the fact that all these aspects are combined in one place, the reputation of which has grown and grown for almost a century. However, because of its fame, and the fact that it's a tourist attraction (there were some Americans in there when I visited), the prices are outrageously high, and there is often no room at the inn - they suggest you book a table. Whoever heard of booking a table in a cafe? It's worth going once just for the experience, and perhaps to take grandparents to, but the prices mean that it's only justifiable to go once in a blue moon. read more

Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ilkley, XWY

So I did go again as my friend wanted to go for her birthday and I must say, it was much better this time. We went on a Saturday for lunch and as per last time there was a queue and we waited about 20 -30 minutes. There were seats for the older folk to sit and wait. We were seated, ordered our food and drinks. The service was quick. I enjoyed the salmon salad and my friend had an omelette, they were delicious. Afterwards, I had difficulty ordering cake from an array on their trolley and opted for a fruit tart in the end. The bill was still expensive but this time I felt full after I'd finished. read more

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Gotta say, I'm taking Alex's side on this one. I love Ilkley, it really is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit, walk around, grab a bite to eat and a nice drink in a beautiful setting, if not a little pretentious due to the large wealth populous that reside here. As for Betty's. The name says it all really, connotations of patrons with purple rinses and pearls of wisdom bordering on the patronising and superior, all due to chronology and far too much money to spend on buying into the Betty's brand. The place started off with Yorkhire roots, and it's very proud of it's Yorkshire heritage and such, which is why it's so hard to make the correlation between the wholesome down to earth Yorkshire folk and this overpriced inflated superego that is Betty's. What made me laugh the most is the invitation to come on in and relax yourself with some high tea and a bite to eat after you've been out climbing up Ilkley Moor, when if you're in no less than your Sunday best the looks of scorn and contempt burn into your skin. Ok that's a little harsh, but there is definitely a judgmental air about the place, be it the patrons or the staff, and when myself, Hairy Friend and Purple Head looked like we were thinking about it, everyone took an audible intake of breath. Sucking it up for a well deserved cup of java, well, we were the wild beasts and it felt like everyone else was circling us to see if we were dangerous. Three cups of Colombian coffee, £15! It was nice coffee, but no more spectacular then some of the independent coffee places around, or even the big scary coffee chains. And yes it's situated next to the lovely cherry blossom trees, which I could just stare at all day, but for a better experience, I'd find one of Costa coffee places, order it to take out, and sit on the benches across the road and take in all the beauty of the vista. Cheaper and an all more better atmosphere. read more

Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms - Taken from site - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ilkley, XWY

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Positioned amongst a cherry blossom lined street in Ilkey lies a little tea house gem - Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms. Even on a weekday afternoon a huge queue blocks the entranceway to the tea room...it seems Betty's charm has been noticed...and passed on to all the tea loving ladies of England. My visit to Ilkley was a brief business-related one, so sadly I didn't have the time to brave the queue to experience the tea room in all its glory. I did, however, sample some of Betty's tasty delights from its shop (at the front of Betty's - offering everything from a wide selection of teas to cakes, chocolates and preserves). I picked up quite possibly the best scones I've ever eaten, in two delicious varieties - wholemeal and apricot and plain with sultanas....mmmm mmmm mmmm. And despite the rumours of Betty's rather expensive prices, they only cost around 70p each! I also picked up a lovely tin (I'm a sucker for packaging!) filled with "Betty's Tea House Tea" (£5.95) and the yummiest cupcake in the entire universe. I am a huge fan of marzipan and this buttercream cupcake (melt-in-your-mouth soft) was completely covered in thick and soft pink marzipan - decorated to look like a piglet. I then happily consumed this quirky animal cupcake while sitting on a park bench in the beautiful courtyard across the street...bliss. Here I befriended an 89 year-old sweet lil' lady who gave me the lowdown on Ilkey and her favourite places to visit. A delightful afternoon in an adorable town with warm and welcoming grans and the world's yummiest animal shaped cupcake. Thank you Betty!! read more

Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms - World's yummiest marzipan piglet cupcake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ilkley, XWY

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Through a recommendation from a friend, we had late breakfast at Betty's Tea Room. It was my first 'real' tea room experience and I was not disappointed. From the silver teapots to the dainty dessert carts, all of the details were exactly like I had pictured. I recommend getting a pot of Betty's Tea Room Blend to share amongst two. The bacon and raclette cheese rosti was delicious and the perfect blend for a hungry brunch. We also ordered the eggs benedict and loved the traditional English ham and hollandaise sauce. If you are like me, order you eggs extra runny as they tend to overcook them. read more

I love Ilkley! If anyone comes to visit me in Leeds I always make sure a trip is made to this gorgeous town as a retreat from the hype of the city. Ilkley is made up of some of the biggest houses in the country and subsequently some the of the wealthiest people! With around 80% of the town population being OAP'S there is a really safe and old fashion vibe to the town! Therefore Betty's is perfectly located under the blossom tree's of Ilkley Grove. There are 3 of the cafe in the country and I am so lucky to have a Betty's so near tome. Famous as a tea rooms Betty's offers an amazing treat for a classy lunch treat or afternoon tea! The decor is that of an old fashioned tea room right down to the tea cups, furnishings and cake display units! You really feel transported back in time! The food is very expensive. You can pay up to £10 for a ceaser salad or £4 for a tea/coffee. I feel you are paying for a lovely experience however. If you are in Ilkley you just must stop in for a cup of English tea, scone with clotted cream and jam!! Staff are friendly and customers are generally wealthy OAP's. If you are a little younger than sixty (like myself!!) the locals welcome you with a smile and are often overly chatty and friendly. read more

Very nice tea room with uniformed staff and a high standard of presentation. I had lunch here and it was very good, well presented and tasty. The tea room enjoys a largely older clientelle by the look of it who clearly appreciate the style and comfort that it offers, and the good service. The down-side to this place is that it is very expensive, so cannot be called good value for money. If you are on a budget, don't go here but if money is not critical you will enjoy a visit. read more

Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Ilkley, XWY

I have been visiting this Bettys for many many years and still remember when they used to do a little packed lunch in a cardboard cake box! A marvelous shop frontage which I am pleased to see has been kept original and true to its roots, which always has wonderful displays in it. Available at the front are the usual cakes and fancies, a vast array of different breads and Coffee, Tea and fancy goods for presents. The cafe at the back is large and you usually have to queue, yet they still succeed in delivering high quality food very quickly. Although there is a full length bank of windows I have always found this restaurant a little dark and gloomy. I much prefer Harrogate, but still buy from the shop those little treats when we can afford them! read more

I really like the fact that the Bettys' cafes exist and have retained their traditional tea room charm. I have reviewed Betty's in Harrogate also. However, the one in Betty's is my least favourite. It somehow feels less 'cosy' to me than the others and a little more clinical. It's not something I can put my finger on and is just my opinion, but I prefer Harrogate and York to this one. Still worth a visit though, as Betty's is a Yorkshire Institution. read more

Betty's... Did someone say Betty's! Oh my lord! I would come here every day if I could but unfortunately... extremely unfortunately, I'm always too busy :'( Tea, Cake, Biscuits... Did someone say Tea, Cake, Biscuits! Gimme Gimme Gimme! *mouth watering*! Betty's is my total life's heaven! From tea to scones to cake to biscuits, Betty's has everything that you could ever want! read more

So, i had 5 hours off work in a 100hour work week. Bed or Betty's? Betty's it is! I was looking forward to the luxury of afternoon tea at world famous Betty's for weeks and weeks but am sad to say that the afternoon tea didn't live up to my expectations :( as I have been spoilt rotten by the one and only Sugar Junction http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/sugar-junction-manchester#hrid:bD0bGUwbU8LV4B-D390KZQ/src:self . Not that I blame SJ for the amazing quality they provide with an amazing service, but to shunt Betty's out of the game for me? How rude, ha ha. Anyway, back to the point. We knew what we wanted before we arrived at the tea room in Ilkley and we were expecting to queue (as always) so as soon as we were seated we ordered. We were seated next to the staff station where they used the till and had a chat, opposite the kitchen which was very pot bang-ingly loud and the constant door opening caused a bit of a breeze in our direction. Also a couple who were seated on the table next to us were very loud and using their phones despite a sign prohibiting them in the tea room. When the food arrived it looked amazing, on the precious little tea stands which I have grown to love so much. Top layer a macaroon, a slice of chocolate cake and a strawberry tart, middle layer a scones with jam and cream and bottom layer four quarters of sandwiches well presented overall. BUT the bread was just on the verge of turning stale (!!) which made me sad straight away. The rest of the food was nice but like I said I have become accustomed to SJ's quality and quantity so based on the food and atmosphere in Betty's I score the food 3/5. The shop however, I would give 5/5. The young man who served us in the shop was brilliant, he was polite and well trained in all the products (I tend to ask a lot of questions in bakeries) and we managed to spend £35 in the shop. Everything was neatly boxed up and we had a few samples of truffles and biscuits while we were deciding what to have. read more

I will make this very clear from the outset, this is not my sort of place.....ever! You can take the boy to the outskirts of Bradford, but you cant take Bradford out of the boy/man. I took my mum here as a treat, as the last time she went was with her Aunties sometime just after the late Cretaceous. From the minute you walk in its instant pomp and ceremony; not my cup of tea..... excuse the pun. I love a good brew, and appreciate all different sorts of tea, God knows ive got 15 types of tea in my cupboard, issues!!! We were taken to a table, and within 2 mins we were asked if we were ready to order, quite quick service, and our body language of flicking through the menu would surely denote otherwise. We settled for the Yorkshire Cream Tea; in essence a couple of scones, pot of tea jam and cream. For the money you i didnt feel like this was good value, i understand this is a premium venue, but not great tea and stale scones for almost £10....No! To add to this my mum found a bit of plastic in her scone. As i said before, not for me; i dont get it! read more

This was the second Bettys Cafe we had visited in consecutive days. It is just on the outskirts of Ilkley town centre and the cafe opens into a small shop area selling tempting cakes and pastries, exotic teas, as well as confectionery that would make ideal gifts. Again we had to queue to get a table, the comfy chairs and opulent surroundings certainly help though. The cafe itself has a magnificent vista, that lets light flood in, even on the darkest of autumnal days. Each table feels like it has its own individual character and the waiting staff are extraordinarily polite and friendly, making your lunch feel like a special occasion. However, the food is pleasant but nothing special, as are the coffees. A great experience, but the price is almost prohibitive for regular visits. read more

Let's face it, Betty's is not your average cafe. If you want a bit of class, well prepared food using high quality ingredients, served by staff in old fashioned black uniform with white aprons, this is the place to go. It's elegant and stylish. Prepare to queue at times for a table. With all this, you expect to pay that little bit extra. Cheap it is not, but it has a great atmosphere where ladies definately do lunch !! The tea rooms at Harrogate Town Centre, York and Harlow Carr RHS Garden in Harrogate all provide the same level of food and service. Great take out bakery selling scrummy food and high quality ground coffee and loose tea. read more

Betty's is well renowned café started by a Swiss choclatier with branches in York, Leeds and Harrogate. It is situated nestling in the picturesque surroundings of the Dales Way spa town of Ilkley. The moors sweeping down and almost ushering you through the doors of Betty's tea rooms. All at once you are transported into the bygone time of the Victorian era. Waitresses sweep pass in period clothing offering you such delights as mocha coffee and delicious scones, tea breads and fancy cakes. Although Betty's tearooms is rather pricey this is justified by the sheer attention to detail in both décor and food alike. The staff are highly efficient and incredibly friendly. Well worth a visit. read more

Betty's cafe is a fab little cafe located in the centre of Ilkley. It is a very traditional classic cafe, which has been around for years. It is famous for its bakery and cakes! There is a little bakery shop at the front, then a lovely cafe at the back. A bit pricey, but definately worth a trip. read more

I absolutely love the food and their staff are so polite and kind. I always go there for special occasions.

I love Betty's too, but why do they appear in the results when I Google my website address? http://www.nicholsonsjewellers.co.uk read more

Been a few times now and it never disappoints. Gets quite busy on the weekends however the food is worth it. Nice friendly staff & even nicer meals. Very old English style setting and the bakery/store front stocks a lot of your favourite condiments - all own branded. Also makes nice presents to give out. read more

Yorkshire Fat Rascal and Bettys Tea Room blend Tea a very nice sojourn from being dragged around the shops. But Mr Manager - While enjoyable do watch your prices, times are tough and some cannot afford treats like this on a daily basis read more

Expensive, terrible service (slower than you can imagine and have never got my order right!) and food is not that special. The Disneyland of local eateries. read more