Written by Alyson Jackson

We're celebrating Yorkshire Day this week - Friday, 1st August - and, when it gets round to this time of year we often find ourselves wanting to shout it from the clifftops that we're 'Proud Yorkshire Bakers', but why is Yorkshire so special?

The People

Yorkshire folk are known for their friendly but often direct nature. Historically a working class county, you'll hear the term 'grafter' batted around, which is high praise indeed for a hardworking person; Stand still for too long in Yorkshire and you'll be instructed to 'get out 'road!' (Translation: Kindly move out of the way) With a variety of Yorkshire accents, depending on where you are in the county, you'll need to tune into the local dialect, but don't worry 'It'll be rite!' because Yorkshire folk are known for their friendly welcome. Lots of famous people originated from Yorkshire, and whether we know them or not, if they're from Yorkshire we'll consider them family anyway! Dame Judi Dench, Michael Parkinson, Louis Tomlinson to name a few, but with true Yorkshire pride you'll find us championing the likes of Adam Lyth, David Atherton, Joanne Froggatt and Beth Mead, who were born in or very close to our hometown.

Former Great British Bake Off winner and local lad, David Atherton, baking Whitby Lemon Buns alongside family baker Jo Botham

The Place

An area known for outstanding beauty, there's a reason why Yorkshire folk refer to it as 'God's Own Country', a phrase they are very proud of. From the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the rugged moorland of the Peak District, the heather & gorse filled North York Moors to the spectacular coastline ~ Yorkshire has it all. Including quaint villages, historic market towns, vibrant cities, heritage sites and places of interest. Bradford has even been named UK City of Culture 2025 by Visit England which is supported by tourism industry experts and generates a well-earned buzz for this vibrant & diverse Yorkshire city.

A sea of purple, enjoy breathtaking scenery on the North York Moors ~ Photo credit: Shot Digital

The Food

We take inspiration from Yorkshire and our hometown: From ingredients, methods, portion sizes (large - when in Yorkshire) to how we serve our food - with butter or cheese, typically - and what we wash it down with - tea, of course! We support Yorkshire producers, such as: Whitby Sea Salt who provide us with a superior ingredient we use in our bakes & chocolate bars; Lister's Crisps which are baked & bagged in Yorkshire and can be found in our shops & hampers; Filey Bay Whisky aptly produced in the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery; not to mention homegrown Whitby Distillery and Whitby Brewery which produce fine Yorkshire tipples making delicious additions to our Yorkshire Hamper range; And, Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese from Hawes which is perfect paired with Ginger Parkin, Fruit Cake, and...pretty much everything else! We make some iconic Yorkshire bakes which we are very proud of, including Yorkshire Curd Tarts, Yorkshire Brack and Yorkshire Quarter.

Traditional Yorkshire Curd Tart with Whitby East Cliff and harbour in the background

Richard from Whitby Brewery toasting a delicious collaboration with Jane Botham at the Made in Whitby Festival, 2024 ~ Photo credit: Acorn Marketing

For all things Yorkshire food inspiration, take a look at Deliciouslyorkshire an organisation which proudly supports and unites Yorkshire's food & drink community. We even have an entire Agricultural Show dedication to Yorkshire, namely The Great Yorkshire Show.

We're Proud Yorkshire Bakers

So, just like baking is in our souls so is Yorkshire, and everything that that epitomises. We're hardworking, dedicated, and proud of our heritage, with old and new baking techniques intertwined. We're warm & friendly, and welcoming of all. We are feeders, so if you visit us expect a Yorkshire spread with Yorkshire portions. We like to create a buzz and we don't do things by halves, like our showstopper Japonaise flavour variations, not to mention the new Enterprise Way bakery, Shop & Tea Room. We keep our heritage close to our hearts and in the forefront of our minds. Would Botham's have been the same had it been established in a different county? We don't think so. We are proud Yorkshire bakers and we wouldn't have it any other way! 

Happy Yorkshire Day Gift Box

Happy Yorkshire Day Gift Box ~ Celebrate Yorkshire Day, 2025 with us