HELMSLEY is a town known for its food, history and independent businesses.
The bustling market town has been home to lords and ladies for almost 900 years – so it comes as no surprise that it has developed a taste for life’s finer things.
Today, it’s recognised as one of Britain’s best market towns - a Great British High Street Awards champion, and a gateway to the north’s best eateries, attractions, galleries, and award-winning independent shops.
Standing in Helmsley’s historic square you are met with independent businesses at all angles, offering the best the area has to offer.
At the corner of the square sits Hunters of Helmsley.
The family run deli has been in operation for 15 years.
Sam Garnett inherited the business in 2020 and, in doing so, revamped the upstairs pantry to stock a wide selection of wines, spreads and other household produce.
The store’s traditional deli serves local cheese and meats, which make it a big hit with the locals.
When we visited customers were inquiring about recipes they had tried using the store’s produce - and the staff were more than keen to offer advice and suggestions.
On running the shop, Sam said: “It’s great to experience all the amazing food.”
He added that having Yorkshire’s local produce on his doorstep was a “highlight.”
Helmsley residents are spoiled for a choice with another deli, Thomas of Helmsley, located just down the street from Hunters.
The deli doubles up as a butcher, and its wide range of stock means there is something for everyone.
Melanie Wilson has managed the bakery for the last 15 years and lived in Helmsley all her life.
Describing Helmsley, she said: “(It’s) a nice country market town.”
Melanie said that at one time everyone in the town knew each other, and today it still has a warm feel to it.
Moving from the square, a cobbled street greets you with more exciting businesses.
As you walk you pass Crema Coffee, which was packed with customers when we visited.
Across the road is The Helmsley Bookshop.
Manager, Mandy Potts, said the shop has been open for around 20 years, making it a real staple in the town.
It was once known as the Cut-Price bookstore.
Today, it pays homage to its past name with a selection of cut-price books in addition to the wide offering of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
The store also stocks greeting cards, jigsaws and games.
On working at the shop, Mandy said: “It’s just really exciting.”
She said the shop is a hit with tourists who visit all year round.
“(We are) meeting new people all the time.
“It’s just interesting, finding out what problem are reading.”
At the bottom of the street is the NGalleries, which showcases North Yorkshire in all its different forms.
Another town hot spot is Carters Countrywear - stocking bespoke clothing.
Owner, Jeremy Shaw, said the business first opened in 1987.
He prides Helmsley on keeping the same market town feel as it did 36 years ago.
Jeremey said that more businesses have opened their doors in the town, but all have retained the high standard the location is known for.
“Helmsley still manages to be able to keep that quality aspect, which is nice,” he added.
An example of one of these businesses is Bisca, in Sawmill Lane, which specialises in the design and build of quality staircases.
Bisca boasts a 100 per cent customer satisfaction rate and its unique products are commissioned globally by private and commercial clients.
As you continue along Bridge Street, a turn off the beaten path takes you to the Helmsley Arts Centre.
The performance venue hosts theatre productions, music, dance, talks, cinema and live broadcasts - plus exhibitions, classes and a range of creative activities for children.
It hosts a packed and varied programme throughout the year, including its famous family Panto loved by all in December.
This season Lyngo Theatre will bring to life the story of Little Red Riding Hood.
International classical music star Imogen Cooper will also take to the stage, in addition to a wide offering including live music from folk stars The Tannahill Weavers.
Leaving the town along Bridge Street you pass the Helmsley Brewing Company.
The microbrewery was set up in 2014 by Kyle Boote.
It features an on-sight brewery and a bar stocked with the company's beer.
The brewery also offers guided tours, which are to restart in spring.
Kyle said the brewery delivers to pubs locally, out to the coast, and to places including Gateshead, Harrogate, Hull, York, and Sheffield.
It also delivers to customers’ homes, after first launching this service during the pandemic.
“Over the last eight years people have become aware that we’re here,” said Kyle.
He explained that the pub has now attracted a loyal following, including tourists who keep up with the business on social media and visit when they are back visiting Helmsley.
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Ryedale’s market towns have been the heart and soul of their communities for almost 1000 years, and they have always been places where friends and family gather – whether it’s for shopping or market days, farming shows, sporting competitions or Christmas festivals.
They are sociable spaces where you’ll never feel alone; where shop-keepers are friendly and welcoming, like the good old days.
The Gazette & Herald has partnered with Ryedale District Council (RDC) to shine a light on these towns over the coming weeks and encourage our readers to shop local.
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