Bettys Harrogate Wins Gold – Famous Yorkshire Shortbread Named AmongBritain’s Best

One of Harrogate’s most iconic businesses is celebrating national success after its famous Yorkshire Shortbread won gold at the Great British Food Awards 2026.

There is something special about enjoying a cup of Yorkshire tea and a buttery biscuit at Bettys. For generations, the famous tearooms have been part of Harrogate life, welcoming residents and visitors with traditional baking, delicious cakes and warm Yorkshire hospitality.

Now, Bettys has another reason to celebrate.

Its much-loved Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits have won gold in the Sweet Biscuits category at the Great British Food Awards 2026, with celebrity judge Cherish Finden praising their flavour and delicate texture.

Even more impressively, the winning biscuits are made using the same traditional recipe Bettys has followed for 40 years.

A Golden Moment for Harrogate

The Great British Food Awards winners were announced on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, recognising some of the finest food and drink producers across the country.

For Bettys, the award represents another proud chapter in its long association with Yorkshire food and hospitality.

Made with real butter and drawing on almost a century of baking expertise, Bettys Yorkshire Shortbread has become a firm favourite with customers.

The biscuits impressed judges with their rich buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes really are the best.

Five Reasons Bettys Yorkshire Shortbread Is So Special

1. A 40-year-old recipe: Bettys has remained faithful to the same traditional shortbread recipe for four decades.

2. Made with real butter: Quality ingredients give the biscuits their distinctive rich flavour.

3. Traditional Yorkshire craftsmanship: Almost a century of baking knowledge helps maintain Bettys’ high standards.

4. Award-winning quality: The biscuits received gold in the Sweet Biscuits category at the Great British Food Awards 2026.

5. Perfect with a cup of tea: Whether enjoyed at home or given as a gift, the biscuits offer a classic taste of Yorkshire.

Celebrity Judge Gives Bettys the Thumbs Up

The Sweet Biscuits category was judged by internationally respected pastry chef Cherish Finden, best known for her role on Bake Off: The Professionals.

She praised the traditional shortbread for its buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and subtle touch of salt.

The delicate, crumbly texture also impressed the judge, who described the biscuits as particularly enjoyable.

Her enthusiastic verdict summed up their appeal:

“I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea. Love it!”

It’s the kind of endorsement any baker would be delighted to receive.

Meet the Yorkshire Bakers Behind the Award

Behind every Bettys biscuit is a dedicated team of skilled bakers who take pride in maintaining the company’s traditional standards.

Gavin Johnson, Head of Bakery Operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, welcomed the recognition.

“We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.”

He explained that the award reflects Bettys’ commitment to quality ingredients, traditional craftsmanship and its Yorkshire heritage.

He also paid tribute to the bakery team, whose skill, passion and attention to detail help ensure customers continue to enjoy the quality associated with Bettys.

For Harrogate, it is another example of the talented people and businesses helping to maintain Yorkshire’s reputation for exceptional food.

Visiting Harrogate? Make Time for Bettys

Whether you’re a local resident or planning a visit to Harrogate, Bettys remains one of the town’s best-known attractions.

1. Bettys Café Tea Rooms – Harrogate Town Centre

Address: 1 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2QU.

Situated in the heart of Harrogate, Bettys is famous for its elegant surroundings, traditional afternoon teas, cakes and chocolates.

A visit can easily become part of a wonderful day exploring the town. Wander through the Montpellier Quarter, browse independent shops or enjoy a relaxing walk through Valley Gardens.

2. Bettys at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Address: Crag Lane, Harrogate, HG3 1QB.

For visitors who love beautiful gardens, Bettys at Harlow Carr provides another opportunity to enjoy traditional Yorkshire hospitality.

Combine your visit with a stroll through the gardens, discover seasonal planting displays and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

For opening times, menus and further information, visit the official Bettys website.

Why Bettys Means So Much to Harrogate

For many people, Bettys is much more than somewhere to enjoy afternoon tea.

It is part of Harrogate’s identity.

Generations of families have visited its tearooms to celebrate birthdays, meet friends, enjoy special occasions or simply treat themselves.

For tourists, Bettys is often high on the list of places to visit when discovering Harrogate.

Its latest national award highlights the importance of preserving traditional skills while continuing to deliver the quality customers expect.

Yorkshire Food Producers Celebrate National Success

Bettys was not the only Yorkshire producer recognised at the 2026 Great British Food Awards.

Other gold award winners included Camphill Village Trust in Malton and Herb Fed in Easingwold.

Established in 2014, the awards celebrate outstanding British food and drink, with entries assessed by respected chefs and food industry experts.

Products are judged on taste, texture, appearance and overall quality.

With approximately 10 per cent of entries receiving gold recognition, Bettys’ achievement is particularly noteworthy.

Make a Day of It – Discover More of Harrogate

If you’re visiting Bettys, why not explore more of what Harrogate has to offer?

1. Valley Gardens: Discover one of Harrogate’s most beautiful parks, with colourful planting, historic features and peaceful walks.

2. Montpellier Quarter: Explore charming streets filled with independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants.

3. RHS Garden Harlow Carr: Enjoy beautiful gardens and seasonal displays throughout the year.

4. Harrogate’s food scene: Discover independent cafés, traditional pubs and excellent restaurants.

5. Knaresborough: Extend your visit to this picturesque market town, famous for its riverside scenery and railway viaduct.

A Golden Reason to Celebrate Harrogate

Forty years after its Yorkshire Shortbread recipe was established, Bettys has demonstrated that traditional baking continues to hold a special place in Britain’s food industry.

The gold award recognises not only the quality of the biscuits but also the craftsmanship, care and Yorkshire heritage behind them.

For Harrogate residents, it is another reason to feel proud of a business that has become such an important part of the town’s identity.

And for visitors?

Perhaps it’s the perfect excuse to discover Bettys, explore Harrogate and enjoy a little taste of Yorkshire.

Have you tried Bettys Yorkshire Shortbread? Or is there another Bettys cake, biscuit or treat you simply can’t resist?

Discover more local news, food and drink, independent businesses and things to do with Harrogate Guide.