My adopted home county of Yorkshire is famous for a lot of things, not least its Dales and Moors. It is also rather famous for Bettys cafe tearooms, which enjoy a reputation for exquisite cakes, patisserie and afternoon tea. There are six throughout Yorkshire, all of which draw visitors from far and wide. I’ve been to three of them and have never tasted a finer Fondant Fancy. I was delighted therefore, when I was invited to take part in a photo shoot for the Bettys at Harlow Carr. My reply was an instantaneous yes. After all, how could I resist the promise of Bettys treats, a professional photographer and a make-up artist?
Preparing For The Photo Shoot
Two other bloggers took part in the photo shoot too, Victoria, The Harrogate Girl and Raj, Momma Up North. We were asked to bring a selection of outfits and to wear our normal make-up which would be enhanced by make-up artist, Jancey Moorhouse.
We started at 7am to enable us to complete the shoot the before the first customers arrived. The people in the background are “extras” and are, in the main, regular customers. It was the first time that Vicky, Raj and I had met, so what better way to break the ice than with a few selfies while we waited to start.
Breakfast At Bettys
The first story was breakfast. I had avocado and poached eggs on toast, just to prove that I’m a real blogger 😉 It was absolutely divine.
Drinks and Cake at Bettys
By this time, Victoria had to leave to go to her “day job,” which is actually in the Bettys marketing department. Raj and I changed changed outfits for the next story which was having a drink and a cake in another part of the cafe. I was delighted, that in the name of work, I got my favourite, a Fondant Fancy, to eat.
Outdoors At Harlow Carr
We had some more photographs taken in the shop and then made a final outfit change before going outside to Bettys Tea House, a charming outdoor eating area.
Bettys Tea House is a more informal setting. The dappled sunshine meant that it was absolutely idyllic. Perfect for a cup of tea and a Fat Rascal, one of Bettys specialities.
Behind The Counter At Bettys
I couldn’t resist sneaking behind the counter to take a few photographs before we finished. It’s clear to see why it has a widely acknowledged reputation for cakes and pastries.
The Professional Photographs
It was amazing to work with photographer, Olivia Brabbs and it’s lovely to see the final images which I think you’ll agree are all beautiful.
It was a privilege and a pleasure to take part in this photo shoot and it was wonderful to meet Vicky and Raj. They are wonderful women who write brilliant blogs. We laughed, chatted and bonded and I know that I gained two new friends. Thank you to Robyn Cox and the team from Bettys who made it happen and who looked after us so well.
Read about the yellow lace dress I wore in the breakfast photos here. See more of the cream pompom dress here and if the red roses on my last dress caught your eye, you can see much more of it here. I will be linking this post to I Will Wear What I Like, Brilliant Blog Posts and The Saturday Share.
Dear Elizabeth. I had just finished my cup of tea when I read your blogpost. Mmmm, suddenly I felt something might have been missing. It all looks so delicious and I love how you have chosen different styles for each shot. I recognise them from previous blog posts and I love the sunny yellow dress for the morning coffee, the more posh white one for the water (or white wine) and the flowers for the garden afternoon tea. Have a lovely weekend with hopefully a bit more sunshine in Yorkshire. Love, Lieske
Author
Hi Lieske,
Yes, the cakes are very tempting aren’t they!!
Thank you for the lovely compliments on my outfits. It was water sadly and not white wine but at least I got to eat the delicious breakfast and a lot of cake!! It was a rather lovely day at the office! xxx
I had to scroll quickly past all of the gorgeous cakes! You ladies all look gorgeous; the images are so full of light and charm, and AS USUAL LIZ, you look absolutely gorgeous. Your smile is infectious and radiant. You have such presence, my friend. Thank you for sharing these photos; I can tell you had a blast in these beautiful clothes in a great location. xx
Author
Aw, thank you Lisa. It was another gorgeous experience and meeting new people always brings me such pleasure. The cakes were beyond divine so it really was a verrrrry nice morning at the office! xxx
What a wonderful shoot. We adore Harlow Carr and used to live round the corner. We have so many special memories there and I grew up in Ikley as a child so ate a lot of Bettys as a kid too. You all look stunning x
Author
Thank you Vicki. Yes, Harlow Carr is very special isn’t it and Bettys is such an institution. I love it! xxx
Oooo this photos are gorgeous! I went to university in York (where there is another Betty’s) and, even though I always wanted to, I never made it to Betty’s. Hubby and I have decided that we will go there for our wedding anniversary one day as we met in York. That fondant fancy looks AMAZING! #brillblogposts
Author
Thank you Lucy. It was such a privilege to take part. York is a fabulous city isn’t it. I visit when I can because it’s not too far away. The fondant fancies are the best I’ve ever tasted. My absolute favourites! xxx
What a gorgeous photo shoot! Bettys is definitely somewhere I need to visit – everything looks delicious! xxx