From quaint market towns, to coastal idles, we have stores in some amazing locations across the land. Every so often, we’ll be bringing you an insider’s guide to these very places, showing you the best hidden gems to discover.
Welcome to Harrogate
January 25, 2018
Here we kick things off with Rob, manager of our Harrogate store…
Home is where I say it is
I have been fortunate to live in many different places around the world. Those places I have called home; from bustling cities to a tent pitched on a beach, each one has affected me… possibly even defined me. When I feel at home I notice more, I want to share more and I want to rinse and repeat that feeling over and over and over again. I want to search out the hidden gems; little cosy cafes, secluded secret woods or even a quiet bench… I want to find them so they become mine.
Somewhere I feel right at ‘home’ is Harrogate. The little Spa Town nestled neatly in North Yorkshire is a lovely place, named happiest place to live three years running. Harrogate is where I work… I love my job and I love where I get to do it. Harrogate has beautiful scenery, fabulous food and shopping but it’s the little things that make me feel at home…
Coffee. . .
Now, I’ll probably be run out of town for not mentioning tea (or Betty's Tea Room… sorry!) but a place that fills me with cosy joy is the Hygge-centric, Scandinavian wonderfulness that is Baltzersen’s Café. Yorkshire-sourced and Nordic-styled, I choose this little spot for my quiet moments and full fat treats… I say treat like it’s once in a blue moon, but that creamy little heart-topped Flat White has become something of an everyday necessity. Resisting the temptation to add a delicious maple syrup covered waffle to my order, however, is a daily test of my willpower.
Bowie
Hidden down a side street, through a door and up some stairs you’ll find the delights of Major Toms Social. Warm and comfy… local craft ales on tap, stone baked pizza in’t oven and a scrabble board with more z’s than s’s… It’s not polished or pretentious and with a great soundtrack, a laidback atmosphere and friendly folk it’s where you’ll find me outside my 9-5.
Benches
I’m a man of simple tastes. I love a well-positioned bench, of which Harrogate has many. I think you should, whenever and where ever possible, try to find time to sit. Steal a moment and enjoy it… take in the sights and sounds of the place you currently occupy. Better yet, come to Harrogate and find the very centre of the Stray, the park that envelops our beautiful town. There you’ll find a little wooden bench with snake shaped legs and absolutely nothing else to distract you from contemplating whatever you fancy…
… feel free to come along and make sure you make yourself at home!