Honey Bees at Hannah’s

10 Castlegate

Knaresborough

HG5 8AR

01423 866730

honeybeesathannas@icloud.com

Opening Times

Every day 9.30am to 5.00pm

Price Comparison

Coffee £1.80

Sandwich £4.95

Scone - £2.50

THERE are three generations involved here - Hannah, Mum and Gran, which reflects throughout the business. The traditional decor - white walls, dark beams, is discretely updated with muted greys and little stencils of bees. The menu is traditional teashop spiced up a little to accommodate today’s taste for such things as caramel latte and fruit tisanes.

It’s market day, so the town is, err… buzzing. Stallholders are calling and their stalls are groaning with temptation. Our baskets are full and we need a break, so it’s lucky we fall upon Honey Bees, tucked away, just off the square. Dating back to 1622 it’s served a similar purpose through the centuries, but was originally known as Ye Olde Hannah’s House. Its leaded windows are a reminder of its past, though its bold sineage shouts 21st century.

“Let’s go in here,” decides Dizzy Goddaughter (DG) spying the ancient fireplaces within, “it looks snug and cosy.” And that’s exactly what it is. Friendly staff show us to a roomy window table. We feel instantly ‘at home’ and hunker down to relax.

It’s only a year since this trio of ladies took over and re-named Hannah’s, and already their hard work is being rewarded. It’s a busy little hub, attracting all ages - school children popping in for refreshment before tackling their homework, families, ladies-who-lunch, executives and silver surfers who can iPad all day should they wish to.

The menu is nicely varied and it takes us time to choose. DG’s sausage sandwich contains two large porkers, with salad and nachos on the side. My scrambled eggs are creamy and golden and come with three slices of smoked salmon and ample elegant triangles of granary toast. We follow up with a wedge of fruitcake, bursting with fruit and nuts, and a slice of Wensleydale cheese, which is the perfect accompaniment to my large china cup of rich and creamy coffee and DG’s frothy hot chocolate.

Hot roast beef and onion baguettes are a big hit at the table next door as are homemade cakes and scones across the room.

Judging by the way the door is constantly ding-a-linging, it’s clear these three ladies have found the perfect formula and whether you call this place Honey Bees, or Hannah’s, or a mixture of the two, it definitely hits the spot.