Botham’s of Whitby might not be as famous as its in-land counterpart, Betty’s, but if you ask us, it ought to be.
Little known to those outside of North Yorkshire, Botham’s keeps it classic with their fresh, daily bakes, just like they did over a century ago when they opened (in 1865, to be precise).
Finding a home at the local market in Whitby before becoming famed for her Whitby lemon buns, Elizabeth Botham unknowingly created a coastal institution that for once wasn’t fish and chips, with visitors to this day foregoing the classic chippy tea and flocking to get a taste of Botham’s delicious afternoon tea by the sea.
Now, with five venues under their belt – including Elizabeth’s first shop on Skinner Street – guests can enjoy a truly traditional tearoom experience, where they’ll be greeted by the sweet scent of freshly baked biscuits, cakes and sweet treats.
In addition to their beloved Whitby lemon buns – which Botham’s insists is a must-eat when visiting Whitby – the bakery and tearoom is also famed for its Yorkshire Brack, too, with many a food lover deeming it to be the best of the best (we being just two of those food lovers!).
For those who have a bit more of a sweet tooth, the bakery’s Chocolate Japonaise ‘Japs’ are also high up on the list of best sellers (made of two almond and hazelnut macaroon meringue biscuits with chocolate buttercream and a coat of chocolate vermicelli), alongside our personal favourites, the chocolate cake truffles.
To get the true Botham’s experience, guests can dine at the opulent tearoom above the original Skinner Street shop, where classic cream tea and afternoon tea are served in a characterful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Whitby.
To this day, Botham’s of Whitby remains in the family, with founder Elizabeth’s great-grandchildren heading up the business as a huge family effort. Is their authenticity the secret to their century-and-a-half long success? We’d say so.
Visit them at 35/39 Skinner Street, Whitby, YO21 3AH, or try out their delicious cakes and treats in Pickering, on Baxtergate in Whitby, on Whitby’s Enterprise Way and in Sleights. Find out more here.
[Featured image: Botham’s of Whitby]
Read more: The Fascinating History Behind How Whitby’s 199 Steps Became So Famous
