As part of my role as writer and editor for Aspire Magazine, I was invited to review local Cafe-Bistro Hettie, here in Skipton for the May issue. As perks of the job go, it's hard to beat. The magazine is circulated in Skipton and the surrounding areas but because so many tourists visit the Yorkshire Dales, I thought it might be useful to share this review.
Hetties Café-Bistro opened in April 2014 continuing a 140 year old legacy of the property being continually run as a café. Reputed to be one of the oldest cafes in Skipton, the ground floor originally traded as a confectioners shop and the first floor housed the café. It is located at the top of Skipton High Street close to the castle and owners David and Brettle Roberts offer a warm and genuine welcome to everyone.
.JPG)
The main menu is extensive and has a wide selection of hot meals including gammon steak and homemade steak burger as well as lighter bites, salads, toasties and sandwiches. There is a specials board which alters daily and reflects seasonal produce. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Hetties offers a Piano Supper featuring a special menu and live music and takes orders until 8pm.
The premises is licensed and there is a good selection of beers, lagers and wines as well as soft drinks, teas and speciality coffees.
The food, where possible, is sourced locally and is freshly prepared by chefs Jemma (who multi tasks as barista and assistant manager), and Matt.
.JPG)
David and his charming staff made my friend Annemarie and me feel most welcome from the moment we entered. We were shown to a reserved table by the window on the first floor, overlooking The High Street and Skipton Castle. There were fresh flowers on every table and a log burning stove was lit on both floors.
.JPG)
We went on a busy Wednesday lunchtime. David was attentive and friendly and despite the café being full, he afforded every table the same courtesy.
We ordered from the main menu. Annemarie had a chicken Caesar salad and I had roast ham sandwiches served with hand cut chips and a beautifully dressed side salad. We both commented on the generous portion size and the freshness of the ingredients.
.JPG)
.JPG)
We ordered Prosecco which came in individual 20cl bottles and tap water which was served in an aesthetically pleasing pink glass bottle.
.JPG)
.JPG)
As well as a dessert menu, Hetties offers a mouth-watering selection of cakes, brownies, biscuits and scones, imaginatively displayed on top of the piano.
We both chose warm lemon sponge and custard. It was feather light and zesty and the custard was beautifully fresh. A feast for the senses.
.JPG)
We finished our lunch with coffee served to our rather exacting requirements.
.JPG)
Hetties is a lively yet relaxed café with a warm welcoming atmosphere. David and his staff are friendly and attentive and clearly take great pride in their work and the service they offer. This is café food at its very finest and I cannot recommend it enough.
Love Liz x
Annemarie and I were hosted by Hetties as part of my role for Aspire Magazine. All opinions and content are my own. Thank you to David Roberts and his team for the superb service and divine food.
This is how my review appeared in the magazine:
