Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms
Coffee Shops in York
6-8 St Helens Square
York
North Yorkshire
YO1 8QP
Contact Numbers
Reviews
What an experiance
Well worth the wait and the cost. Very traditional tea room and experiance everyone should have. Once you visit you will want to again. I would suggest going early for lunch.
Christine Rimmer - 28/10/2009 | report this review
An over rated museum
If you are harking for a bit of history in our historical city, then join the queues for Betty's; you'll be able to sample all that was bad about British Tea Rooms from around the early '70s; rude staff, tired decor and over rated over priced food. On the other hand, if you're after a good cup of coffee with pleasant service without the standing around to get in then go to one of the many good quality cafés that have opened since this relic. To say Betty's is trading on the past would be an understatment.We went along recently when friends visited and wanted to do the tourist thing. The waitress could have passed for one from the old communist eastern block she was that rude. The scones were as dry as straw and the order didn't arrive all at the same time. To cap it all, my wife scalded her fingers when handed her plate which was (unexpectedly for a plate containing a scone) red hot. Did Comrade Waitress apologise, don't be daft.In summary, in case you hadn't guessed, do yourself a favour and visit somewhere else.
A User - 07/05/2009 | report this review
Mmmmmmm....
Bettys is very old fashioned, but at the same time it is lovely and quaint and unmistakably English. Not for nothing is it the most popular tea room in York. There is a high percentage of frills in the dining room, particularly upstairs, but both upstairs and downstairs rooms are nice, although rather different. A first time visiter should definately try to get a seat upstairs, even though the queue will be longer, because it is light and airy and exactly what a tea room should be like, plus tables by the window provide an excellent location for people-watching. Downstairs it is darker but much roomier, and feels a bit more private and restaurant-like. You can usually get seated a bit sooner if you don't mind being downstairs.As for the food, it's delicious! Make sure you save room for a desert, although it can be difficult with the very generous portions on offer, because it is the cakes that this tea-room really excells at. As I do not drink hot drinks, I am afraid I cannot comment on the coffee and tea, but I am assured by my tea- drinking friends it is as good as one might expect from such a well known establishment.
A User - 11/09/2008 | report this review
Tradition but you can do better!
From a York person point of view, Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms are not our choice to have a cup of tea and a cream bun! Why? You may think everybody visits this attraction, but I have been once in a lifetime, when I was invited to someone's treat with friends.Honest, York people say "Why queue for an hour to sit in a fish tank on view for others to see?" If you want a nice place to sit and have a quiet meal just up the street past the Guild Hall, HMV, Virgin, WHSmith, Boots is a converted church that sells homemade cakes, teas from around the world, fair trade coffee freshly brewed and very friendly staff, all at reasonable rates and you are helping charity!It is called St. Michael-le-Belfry and it is opposite GAME, a shop for PC Game lovers. No queues, homemade food and fresh tea and coffee, and if you have a spiritual need, tell the staff and someone will take the time to pray with you upstairs, all free.Well worth a visit..
A User - 03/09/2008 | report this review
everyone needs a doiley experience
ok tea's a tradition in England and its something that we actually do quite well (well after some tips from China and India, and not of the PG variety!) Betty's is a York institution. So much so that you will see the tourists queuing in the rain, cold, damp etc. And are they mad?... well perhaps slightly, but is it worth it? YES! Betty's is pricey, but it is fabulous! If your a student, get 'wow' your parents with a trip here at the beginning of term and get them to foot the bill - that way you get to look 'responsible' in a quaint setting and have your cake (and eat it too!) If your a tourist you cannnot come to York and leave without at least trying to finish one Fat Rascal, a monster sized scone that comes with lashing of jam , butter and cream should you like. Resident? Well then you know to hit little Betty's down Stonegate to avoid the crowds and sit in the see-saw rooms and creaky floorboards. Fun and decadence never came with such frills and lace! Go to 'big' Betty's after 6pm and enjoy tinkerings of the ivory from Betty's pianist. Betty's; proof indeed that 'twee' can be fun!
A User - 09/09/2007 | report this review
The best old school tea shop in the country?
Well maybe not, however I have yet to find one better in or around York.The quality of the food and service is second to none (except maybe at busy times when a wait is unavoidable).Must trys are:-Anything from the range of coffee's (don't expect cheap nasty mass produced coffee like Costa et al.)The only downsides are the queues and the cost - not the cheapest place but definately value for money.Cinnamon ToastFat RasclesThe bacon sandwiches (really English Muffins)Rosti'sThe downside is the popularity of the place - in the high of the tourist season then you can expect a wait for a table after 9am - but it is worth it.Also to check out are the evening specials that Betty's run in the upstairs room. They are usually booked up very quickly but they are fantastic.
A User - 09/02/2007 | report this review
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