STAFF at Bettys Ilkley marked the 100th anniversary of Bettys Café Tea Rooms yesterday.

Customers were treated to limited edition centenary fondant fancies and had the chance to win centenary-themed spot prizes as they joined in the celebrations throughout the day.

Founder, Frederick Belmont, first opened Bettys’ doors to customers on July 17 1919 at the original premises, 9 Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate. A qualified baker and confectioner, Fritz Bützer (Belmont’s name before he Anglicised it) left his native Switzerland in 1907 to travel to England with a dream of establishing his own business. He spent his first night in the waiting room of Bradford station – penniless and unable to speak a word of English.

Little did he know the great future that lay ahead of him and the extraordinary legacy that he would create.

A Bettys spokesperson said: “Since then, the business has grown and changed in ways that he could never have imagined – we’re now Bettys & Taylors, and home to some of Yorkshire’s most respected businesses and brands. While 2019 marks the 100-year anniversary of the opening of Bettys, it also represents a celebratory milestone for our whole business.

“2019 is a year for showcasing all that we are most proud of and a celebration of the fact that we remain an independent Yorkshire family business with strong values, talented people, committed shareholders and a desire to make a positive difference in the world.

“To find out more about our history and how we’re celebrating our 100th birthday throughout 2019, please visit our website: www.bettys.co.uk/centenary”