There’s nothing we love more at YorkMix than shining a spotlight on brilliant local food!
Monday 23rd February saw the launch of the very first Helmsley & Howardian Hills Restaurant Week, and we kicked things off in style with a live radio broadcast tour, soaking up the atmosphere, meeting passionate business owners and, of course, sampling some incredible food.
Joining us on the tour was one of the driving forces behind the event, Amy Crowder, Destination Campaign Manager for North Yorkshire Council.
Amy and the team have done a fantastic job of showcasing local eateries to new visitors while encouraging residents to support the incredible food and drink offering right on their doorstep. The campaign, supported by Visit North Yorkshire, is all about celebrating what makes this region special.
The offers run right through to Sunday 1st March, and with more than 40 venues taking part, it’s already proving a huge hit with over 1,800 vouchers downloaded so far!
Here’s just a flavour of where we visited…
Ampleforth Abbey Tea Room
Our first stop took us just outside Helmsley to the peaceful surroundings of Ampleforth.
The team at the Tea Room are fully embracing Restaurant Week and inviting everyone to get involved with a delicious two-course menu for just £15.
You can choose from:
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Three mouth-watering main courses
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Three indulgent desserts
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Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
Whether you’re a local regular or visiting Helmsley for the day, it’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself while soaking up that calm Abbey atmosphere. Good food, beautiful surroundings and outstanding value?
A speical mention for the fantastic home made cakes, we had the Apple cake, which was fabulous!
U Tagghiu Anticu – A taste of Italy in the heart of Helmsley
Opened in December 2025, U Tagghiu Anticu is a fully licensed, reclaimed 1800s-style traditional Italian café/bar at 28 Bridge Street. With two cosy rooms and a outdoor garden area overlooking the river, it’s open from mid-morning until late.
The wine? Absolutely delicious. Authentic, thoughtfully sourced and expertly recommended by a wonderful team who clearly know their stuff. It’s the kind of place where you go in for a quick drink and end up staying all evening.
A fantastic new offering for the town where you will find yourself dining in a old walk in frigde, its stylish and indreguing.
The Royal Oak Hotel – Proper pub classics done right
Right in the heart of the Market Square, The Royal Oak Hotel delivered exactly what you want from a traditional Yorkshire pub.
The fire was lit. The welcome was warm. The atmosphere was a proper home from home.
We sampled one of their freshly made daily steak pies and it did not disappoint it is just one of the comforting pub classics on offer during Restaurant Week.
Great staff, generous portions and that cosy charm that makes you want to return!
La Trattoria – Pizza perfection in Market Place
Our final stop of the broadcast was La Trattoria at 17 Market Place, Helmsley... and what a way to end the tour.
I was lucky enough to be invited into the kitchen to see the team in action, i watched the dough being stretched and transformed into the most fabulous pizzas, it was like watching artists at work, speedy, skilful and full of passion.
And it’s not just us who love it. Reviews speak volumes:
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Pauline Straw: “Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, great service and food.”
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Sean Neethling: “Ordered the sourdough, avocado and poached eggs for breakfast.”
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Bill Stockdale: “Risotto is well cooked and tasty. Sensible portions.”
*Google Reivews
From breakfast to dinner, they’ve got it covered.
Over 40 deals... we only just scratched the surface
Iwhat a great week so far... This is the very first Helmsley & Howardian Hills Restaurant Week, celebrating the region’s award-winning food scene.
On untill 1st March, local restaurants, cafés, pubs and tearooms are offering exclusive menus and special prices, giving you the perfect excuse to discover somewhere new or revisit an old favourite.
With breakfast, lunch and dinner options across the area, you really could eat out every day until Sunday.
You can find all the deals and download your free vouchers via YorkMix.com, Some venues are already getting busy, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Just 30 miles from York, Helmsley and the Howardian Hills are proving they’re more than worth the short trip.
Safe to say, I’ll be returning. There’s so much more to discover, and judging by the buzz around this first event, Helmsley’s Restaurant Week is here to stay.
