When you explore Yorkshire with Expedition Yorkshire, you're not just signing up for a sightseeing excursion. You're embarking on a private journey curated by passionate local guides who invite you to shape your own adventure. With the freedom to choose your route and experiences, each tour becomes as unique as the guests themselves. Expedition Yorkshire is proud to champion local, independent businesses that offer a true taste of the region's heart and heritage.
For foodies and culinary explorers, there is no better way to understand the soul of Yorkshire than through its food and drink. Traditional British fare, quaint tearooms, innovative restaurants, and artisanal producers all contribute to a rich and delicious tapestry. This is your ultimate guide to Yorkshire food and drink experiences, crafted especially for those seeking to indulge in authentic local flavours. Whether you are a food-loving traveller, a US-based tourist planning your British holiday, or a blogger in search of the next great culinary destination, Yorkshire promises delights at every turn.
Sip Something Special: Filey Distillery
On the rugged Yorkshire coast, Filey Distillery crafts premium small-batch gins using traditional copper stills.
Their signature spirit is infused with botanicals that reflect the local landscape, offering a unique taste of the region. With a firm commitment to quality and a story rooted in Filey's seafaring past, a visit to this distillery offers more than just a drink, it’s a flavourful experience steeped in local pride.
Sweet Indulgence: Inspired Chocolate
In the heart of Leyburn, Inspired Chocolate is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Their handmade chocolates are crafted on-site and visitors can watch the chocolatiers at work.
For a hands-on experience, join one of their workshops and discover the artistry behind Yorkshire’s favourite confectionery. It’s a perfect stop for families and chocoholics alike.
Cheers to Craft: Rooster's Brewing Co.
Rooster’s Brewing Company in Harrogate is a pioneer of Yorkshire's craft beer scene. With roots going back to 1993, they are known for innovative beers that balance bold hops with British brewing traditions.
Their taproom is warm and welcoming, offering tastings of their best-loved brews alongside seasonal specials. This is a must for visitors who want to discover why Yorkshire beer is so beloved.
Sea to Table: SeaGrown
Off the coast of Scarborough, SeaGrown is pioneering the UK's first large-scale seaweed farm. Their products include seaweed seasonings and sea vegetables used in restaurants across the region.
This sustainable enterprise is both cutting-edge and deeply connected to Yorkshire’s marine heritage. A visit to their shop or a tour of their work offers a fascinating look at the future of British food.
Ice Cream with Character: Groovy Moo
Tucked away in Malton, Groovy Moo is an artisan gelato producer that uses fresh Yorkshire cream and milk.
Their vibrant parlour serves up scoops of traditional and experimental flavours, all made on-site in small batches. It’s a delightful way to cool off during your tour and enjoy a taste of local dairy done differently.
Coffee Culture: Spring Espresso
In York, Spring Espresso is a coffee haven for those who appreciate expertly crafted brews.
This indie café is beloved for its warm service and focus on quality beans. The menu offers seasonal drinks and delicious light bites, perfect for a mid-morning break as you explore the historic streets of the city.
Afternoon Elegance: Bettys Café Tea Rooms
No foodie trip to Yorkshire is complete without a stop at Bettys. In Harrogate, their tearoom serves up impeccable afternoon tea in a setting that has charmed visitors for over a century.
With a menu full of traditional British pastries and a curated selection of teas, this iconic location offers an experience that is both elegant and unmistakably Yorkshire.
Culinary Excellence: The Star Inn at Harome
The Star Inn at Harome is a Michelin-starred gem set in a thatched building near Helmsley.
Chef Andrew Pern’s menus blend local ingredients with creative flair, showcasing Yorkshire produce in inspired ways. Dishes are crafted with seasonal precision, offering an elevated yet deeply rooted taste of the region.
Historic Charm: The Green Dragon Inn
Located in Hardraw, this historic inn sits beside the path to England’s highest single-drop waterfall, Hardraw Force.
The Green Dragon Inn offers hearty Yorkshire meals in a setting that feels unchanged by time. Think local ales, rustic wooden beams and dishes that fill your soul as much as your stomach.
Remote Splendour: The Tan Hill Inn
High above the moors, the Tan Hill Inn holds the title of Britain’s highest pub. The views alone are worth the trip, but it’s the traditional fare and community vibe that make this place unforgettable.
Enjoy comforting classics like shepherd’s pie or fish and chips, then cosy up by the fire with a pint.
Modern Fusion: Skosh York
Skosh is a modern dining concept that offers small plates inspired by international cuisines but built on a foundation of local ingredients.
Housed in a Grade II listed building near Micklegate Bar, it’s ideal for food adventurers who want something innovative and stylish while still grounded in Yorkshire’s culinary strengths.
Wild Flavours: Fish and Forest
This York-based restaurant focuses on sustainability and bold flavours. With a menu that changes daily, Fish and Forest features responsibly sourced fish, game and seasonal vegetables.
The intimate setting and passionate staff create a memorable dining experience for those who want their meal to reflect the land it came from.
A Feast for the Senses
Yorkshire’s food and drink scene is rich with tradition, innovation and unforgettable flavours. Whether you're sipping gin by the coast, tasting award-winning chocolate, or enjoying a meal in a historic pub, each experience brings you closer to the true spirit of Yorkshire. With Expedition Yorkshire, these moments become more than stops on a map, they become part of your story. Let your private tour include not just places to see but flavours to remember.
From hearty pub lunches to artisan seaweed and gourmet gelato, this is Yorkshire as it should be tasted. And for visitors from the US and beyond, it’s a delicious invitation to savour a region where hospitality and heritage go hand in hand.
Come hungry. Leave inspired.
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