From Hunter’s of Helmsley
Anyone who has visited the pretty town of Helmsley, in the North York Moors National Park, will know Hunters of Helmsley.
Set in the heart of the town for 28 years, this renowned deli has built up a reputation for bringing together the very best of Yorkshire food and drink within its characterful Grade 2-listed building.
The owners, husband and wife Chris and Christine Garnett, both come from farming backgrounds and believe the quality of food and where/how it is produced is essential. Of the products in store, 70% are sourced locally. It’s vital to the Hunters’ philosophy that local farmers, producers and suppliers are supported and championed.
The highest quality local meats are sourced from local farms and cooked on the premises. Bread and cakes are made at the nearby Derventio Bakery; cheeses come from dairies such as Shepherd’s Purse; drinks from Ryedale Vineyard and local breweries; and Johnsons of Thirsk and Julyan the Baker provide the pastries and pork pies. The store makes the most of the wonderful food and drink produced on its very doorstep and the owners love to find new and interesting products to share with customers. From oils and cheeses to ice cream and freshly made pies and pastries, you can find the best of the county in their store!
The ground floor sells alcoholic and soft beverages plus fresh produce, including cooked meats, cheeses, salads, pastries, sausages, locally made ice cream, and freshly made, deep-filled sandwiches (for which they are renowned – more than 50,000 are sold every year!). The upstairs is full of jams, chutneys, tea, coffee, handmade chocolates, sauces, dressings, oils, unusual cookery ingredients and sweet treats.
Hunters has a range of own-label products such as preserves, chutneys, pate, sweet and savoury biscuits and chocolates. All are made within Yorkshire from the finest quality ingredients – they have to be to have the Hunters name on them!
Hampers from Hunters make an ideal Christmas gift and are available to pick up in store or for delivery across the UK. How about the Gin Treat which includes Masons 20cl Dry Yorkshire Gin, Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic water, Rosebud Preserves Mason Gin Marmalade, The Fine Cheese Co Gruyere & Pistachio Savouries and Butlers Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin Milk Chocolate? That’s a great night in to share with loved ones. It costs just £40 and is presented in an attractive wicker basket. Perfect for fans of Yorkshire gins!
Hunters also has a unique partnership with Bakehouse in the Barn which sees them creating seasonal products using local ingredients, to be sold exclusively at the Hunters’ deli. Bakehouse in the Barn, which is based in Hovingham, launched in 2018 to great acclaim, with award-winning baker Sophie Smith at the helm. With a new product created every couple of months, and many items catering for those with special dietary requirements, it’s a great way to try something new – and customers are given the recipe and encouraged to try and re-create it themselves at home.
With Helmsley being crowned Britain’s Best Market Town in the Great British High Street Awards a couple of years back, it’s definitely worth a day trip and you can return home with an abundance of tasty treats!
