Food lovers are being encouraged to explore the best of North Yorkshire’s culinary map as Restaurant Week arrives in both Whitby and the Howardian Hills. The celebration of local dining will see more than 50 businesses offer special set-price menus, providing a chance for residents and visitors to support local independent eateries at a fraction of the usual cost.
Delivered by Visit North Yorkshire, the initiative first heads to the countryside for the inaugural Helmsley and the Howardian Hills Restaurant Week from Monday, 23 February to Sunday, 1 March. Following its success last year, Whitby Restaurant Week will then return to the coast from Monday, 2 March to Sunday, 8 March.
In the Helmsley, Malton, and Easingwold areas, venues will offer special menus at five fixed price points ranging from £15 to £35. In Whitby, diners can choose from deals priced between £10 and £30.
Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, said: “It is fantastic to see Restaurant Week come to two completely contrasting areas of North Yorkshire. We have been delighted with the response with 31 businesses signing up in the Helmsley area and 23 in Whitby, meaning customers will have a fantastic choice when it comes to supporting these events. While very different, both locations are equally vibrant and together they showcase the remarkable diversity of our county’s food scene. Restaurant Week gives people the perfect excuse to try something new and celebrate the talent on offer.”
The area around Helmsley was recently named The Good Food Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destination for 2024. Karen Auker, co-owner of The Feather and Beak in Kirkbymoorside, is among those taking part. She said: “From the outset, the focus has been on seasonal ingredients transformed into familiar, well-judged dishes, served without gimmicks or fuss, in a space that works just as well for a special occasion as it does for a simple midweek meal.”
On the coast, the long-established Botham’s of Whitby is returning to the event for a second year. Kay Dickinson, director at Botham’s, said: “Whitby Restaurant Week was a great success for us last year and we’re really looking forward to taking part again. This week is a celebration of the amazing culinary experiences Whitby has to offer and, for us, it’s a great way to encourage customers out in the quieter months. Every business comes up with different ideas, so the customer choice is great, and it encourages customers to try something new.”
Full lists of participating venues and their exclusive menus are available on the Visit North Yorkshire website.
