From the Alps to the Dales: 100 Years of Bettys and Taylors

by Annie Gray

Founded by Swiss baker Frederick Belmont in 1919 with the opening of Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms in Harrogate, the Bettys name is now world-famous and synonymous with delicious Swiss treats and Yorkshire warmth and hospitality. After purchasing family-run tea and coffee merchant, Taylors of Harrogate, a fellow devotee of the pursuit of extraordinary flavour and traditional family values, Bettys & Taylors secured their transformation from Harrogate institution to household name.

The Story of Bettys & Taylors: A Centenary Celebration is a compelling, illustrated history that sets the story of the business against the social history of the times. Written with the same brilliant, witty voice as Annie Gray's book on Queen Victoria, this exhaustively researched history presents Bettys' fascinating one-hundred year journey within the wider context of Yorkshire and the Great British institutions of the tearoom and afternoon tea. Fully illustrated with historical examples of the Bettys Tea Rooms and Bettys & Taylors products, present and past staff and fond readers of family and Yorkshire history, this illustrated hardback is a true reflection of the famous brand it represents.

Genres: Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2019

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family businesses are fascinating. There is often much drama involved with passing something along the generations, because it inevitably stirs up a lifetime's worth of feuds, resentments, and inadequacies. Never mind trying to keep something alive over the course of a world war, two world-wide economic downturns, and the age of spaghetti on toast. Bettys is no different. The firm made an excellent, and brave, choice in asking Dr. Gray to write this book. Annie pulls no punches, leaving the reader with a gripping look at a business that evolved and thrived, sometimes because of, sometimes in spite of, the people at the helm. Furthermore, it is quite simply a beautiful book that is very well-designed. Well worth spending some time there, especially if you cannot travel there during These Times.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read. We are fortunate enough to live close to all the Bettys cafes except Ilkley, and frequently visit them and the shops. We love the atmosphere that is so much part of the Bettys experience. Annie Gray writes about the history of Bettys, the family, the ups and downs through 100 years, the Fat Rascals, curd tarts, breads, coffees and teas in great detail and with affection. A heavy tome but an excellent record of this Yorkshire institution. If you too love and visit Bettys, or even if it is just a name you have heard about, this book is well worth reading. And if you are ever in North Yorkshire, a visit to one of the cafes or shops is a must, you'll not regret it!

[Catherine Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book that charts the 100 year history of Bettys. The archive material is a joy and I poured over the old menus that are reprinted in the book. If you love Bettys you’ll love this book. Looking forward to them reopening again, I’ll be first in the queue for a breakfast rosti and pot of coffee.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I got this book as a present for having afternoon tea at Bettys, I would have wanted to read it if I had come across it on my own. I learned so much, and not just about Bettys (and Taylor’s), but also British cooking and culinary trends.

[Jo K Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you might’ve already guessed this is a history book about the Bettys establishment. It covers a wealth of family and social history. A true insight into this remarkable and beloved company.