North Yorkshire is the crown jewel of English food counties. From the Yorkshire Dales to the North York Moors, from the spa town of Harrogate to the fishing port of Whitby, from the food capital of Malton to the brewing town of Masham, this is a county where food and drink heritage runs deeper and wider than almost anywhere in England.
The cheese story alone is world-class. Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes traces its roots to 12th century monastic cheesemaking and is the only producer of PGI-certified Yorkshire Wensleydale. It sources milk from 45 local Dales farms, has won over 700 awards, and even converts cheese whey into green gas for nearby homes. Shepherds Purse in Thirsk has been producing Yorkshire Blue, Harrogate Blue, and Mrs Bells Blue since the late 1980s. Swaledale Cheese Company has handmade artisan cheese in Richmond for over 30 years. Ribblesdale specialises in goat milk cheeses in the Dales. Laceys in Reeth produces handmade cheese alongside award-winning gelato.
Masham is home to two of the most famous breweries in Yorkshire. Theakston has been brewing since 1827, now in its sixth generation, home of Old Peculier. Black Sheep was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston after he left the family business, becoming one of the UK most respected independent brewers. Roosters in Harrogate was one of the first UK breweries to champion American hops. Brass Castle in Malton is renowned for vegan and gluten-free craft beers. Helmsley Brewing Co operates in the only market town in the North York Moors National Park. Whitby Brewery crafts ales in the shadow of the abbey.
The distillery scene is thriving. York Gin has won multiple gold medals at the world top spirits competitions. Slingsby in Harrogate uses spring water and local botanicals. Rare Bird in Malton has a gin school in a converted stable block. Whitby Gin forages heather from the moorland above the town. Masons iconic Yorkshire Tea gin is a Yorkshire success story.
Malton has established itself as Yorkshire food capital with its thriving Food Lovers Festivals and independent food businesses. Mainsgill Farm Shop on the A66 near Scotch Corner draws over 300,000 visitors a year. Fodder at the Great Yorkshire Showground stocks produce from over 430 local Yorkshire producers. Yockenthwaite Farm has been farming in the Dales since 1842.
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