Independent coffee venues in Harrogate

Everyone knows about Bettys. It's almost the first reason given by visitors to Harrogate for visiting Harrogate. But did you know Harrogate has many great independent cafes,  making it really difficult to choose a favourite.  We do have some favourites but it's only a taster of what's on offer.  Each has their own individual style and way of presenting coffee. Their ambience is unique and of course they reflect the character of the owners.

There have been several new additions in recent months.  On Kings Road the recent additions include Cafe Divine and Lilypad.   They each offer very different styles of catering. 

Lilypad is a lunch and evening venue offering alcohol, tea, coffee and light snacks and main courses.  It has become a hit with local groups looking for a meeting space which is both welcoming and sufficiently quiet for conversations and networking. Plenty of seating and sufficient spaces for small and larger groups, never feels over crowded nor do you feel conspicuous. Appeals to all ages.

Divine, as the name suggests is beautiful and the coffee is good too.  This new cafe opened its doors at the end of lockdowns in what used to be Wots Cooking.  It is a great acquisition to this end of Kings Road.  Open for breakfast. I have yet to try it out but guests love it.

The old favourite Little Breads with its choice of breakfast and light lunches still packs a punch.  It is a firm favourite with locals.  Has a small indoor seating area.  The bread is delicious and their coffee is good - however, they do have a lot of competition.  

Further down Kings Road opposite the entrance to The Harrogate Conference Centre is Stuzzi .  Again much loved by locals. Open for breakfast, Italian style lunches and dinners.  Pets are welcome in the front area.  Always has rave reviews.

Progressing further towards the Conference Centre there are more cafes. No 35, a small intimate space specialising in take out and quick bites, has become very popular with locals and tourists alike. They have vegan and vegetarian options. 

The  Valley Gardens has two tea rooms - one located in the children's play area and the other between the two entrances in what used to be the location of one of the wells. Take out or eat in - there is plenty of seating nearby - expect queues in summer and at weekends. Tea, coffee, cold drinks and cakes. Service can prove a bit slow at times.  Cakes are good and so is the coffee - so worth the wait.

The North Bar near the Station opens at lunch time and continues until late.  Great coffee, then drinks, snacks and food.   Generally considered more cafe in terms of ambience.  They stop serving coffee around 6pm. This place is inhabited by the young crowd. So always has a buzz about it. 

Baltzersen’s boasts a Norwegian influence, their, coffee, cakes and light lunches are very popular- expect queues in the summer months!  Located in the pedestrian area off Station Parade.

The Harrogate Tearooms is located on the first floor in the beautiful Westminster Arcade off James Street.  This Tearoom is tucked away but well worth the visit, noted for their afternoon teas, and great hospitality.  Much loved by locals. A hidden gem which many would prefer to keep secret!

Starlings is around the corner from the Westminster Arcade, they  make delicious coffee and cakes. Again much loved by locals and used for networking.  We love this place.

Hoxton North once on James Street, became so famous they had to move, now located near the Valley Gardens and opposite the Pump Room Museum on Crown Roundabout.  Noted for the quality of their food and outstanding coffee -  pets welcome.  Prepare for queues! This place is outstanding!  And yes, they've outgrown their current premises - so watch this space! They do amazing gluten free cakes.

If you don't like queues there is the Palm Court Cafe located above Farrah's Olde Sweet Shop - almost opposite Hoxton North.  Always a warm welcome, decent beverages and some delicious home made cakes - for the discerning who like a quiet life and service.  

On Coldbath Road, you find The Fat Badger which doubles as a pub.  Great place to sit and watch the world go bye- very popular in summer because there's lots of outdoor seating.

If you go further up Coldbath Road you come to Tilly Peppers - a personal favourite and always full of locals.  However, it's best to avoid school drop off and pick up times as mums like to meet here,  so getting a space might prove difficult.

Continuing on Coldbath Road you reach Prologue- they have been extending their presence- very busy during summer weekends. Further up you come to Mana- this well disguised coffee shop dies amazing bread, pastries and cakes- full of locals and always busy.

Coldbath Road abounds with cafes- just two more to mention- Coldbath Deli and Wedges- both beloved by locals. The Deli is famous for its food.  Wedges is noted for its sandwiches which are supplied to local businesses.  Both have outside seating so very busy on sunny summer days. 

The  Valley Gardens has two tea rooms - one located in the children's play area and the other between the two entrances in what used to be the location of one of the wells. Take out or eat in - there is plenty of seating nearby - expect queues in summer and at weekends. Tea, coffee, cold drinks and cakes. Service can prove a bit slow at times.  Cakes are good and so is the coffee - so worth the wait.

The North Bar near the Station opens at lunch time and continues until late.  Great coffee, then drinks, snacks and food.   Generally considered more cafe in terms of ambience.  They stop serving coffee around 6pm. This place is inhabited by the young crowd. So always has a buzz about it. 

Let us know your favourite Harrogate cafes so we can add them to the list.  

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