Perfect for late risers and those who can’t stomach an early breakfast, Brunch is the name given to a meal that is eaten later than lunch but earlier than breakfast. It is by no means a new concept but it is certainly seeing a significant increase in popularity right now, leading eateries across the UK to extend their breakfast times or create new menus.
Boozy brunches are particularly popular and there are plenty of places offering “Bottomless Brunch” deals that include a meal and as much drink as you can consume within a specified timeframe. Downing gallons of Prosecco at 8 am isn’t considered healthy but when the little hand reaches 11, it’s perfectly acceptable and we highly recommend it.
The North Yorkshire city of Ripon has much to offer visitors. One of England’s oldest cities, it boasts a pretty cathedral, an ancient Hornblower, a bustling marketplace, numerous historic buildings and an excellent array of superb independent eateries. If you’re planning on visiting this popular Yorkshire city anytime soon, you’ll more than likely be planning on eating at one of their restaurants, cafes or pubs. Brunch is the perfect dining option for tourists as travelling may mean you will arrive a little too late for breakfast and a tad too early for lunch. We’ve put together a short guide to some of the best brunches in Ripon so be sure to have a read through before your visit!
Where to Get Breakfast and Brunch in Ripon
Oliver’s Pantry
86 North Street, Ripon HG4 1DP
Oliver’s Pantry is a charming little coffee bar on Ripon’s North Street. Open since 2012, they have a great reputation locally. Alongside great fresh coffee, they serve a delightful range of sweet treats, savoury bites and super tasty hot dishes. Enjoy brunch in their cosy dining room or, if the weather permits, eat outside in their garden area.
Their breakfast and brunch menu is available all day and includes Full English Breakfasts (vegetarian option available), Smashed Avocado on Sourdough, Eggs Benedict and a hearty Chorizo Hash topped with a fried egg. Prices at Oliver’s Pantry are between £3.85 (for porridge) and £10.95 (The Big Olly’s Breakfast). They source much of their produce locally and Ripon Sausages are the highlight of their traditional cooked breakfasts. All in all, it’s a warm and welcoming independent eatery serving great home-cooked grub!
Realitea
North Street, Ripon HG1 1DP
A slightly different brunch in Ripon is available from the Anglo-Indian tea room and bistro, Realitea. Open during the day between 11 am and 4 pm for brunch and lunch, their food is fresh and full of flavour.
Realitea always has some truly tempting sweet treats and their range of teas is superb. It isn’t surprising that their Afternoon Tea gets excellent reviews. However, for a traditional Indian brunch experience, there are three delicious brunchtime curries to choose from: Chicken, Vegetable or Chickpea. Each is priced at just £8.80 and is served with paratha flatbread, dahl and salad.
Storehouse Kitchen
83 North Street, Ripon HG4 1DP
Storehouse Kitchen is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant serving menus inspired by locally sourced produce. Open Wednesday to Sunday, this award-winning eatery on North Street serves brunch and light bites until 4 pm and the menu is a tempting medley of mouthwatering classics given a contemporary upgrade plus a couple of unexpected delights!
Dishes are priced from £6.95 (Bacon or Sausage Brioche Bun) to £17.50 (Crispy Chicken on Belgian Waffles) and there’s something to suit most preferences. If you’re looking for a traditional breakfast, The Storehouse Brunch which comprises all the expected components of a Full English will cost you £11.95. Fancy something healthier? Opt for the Superfood Salad (£13.50) featuring couscous, chickpeas, avocado, walnuts and more with a raspberry and fennel dressing. For a break from the norm, sink your teeth into the Franceshina – a Portuguese sandwich packed with fried steak, chorizo and cheese that is baked until golden before being topped with gravy and a fried egg. Delicious!
Claro Lounge
39 Market Place, Ripon HG4 1BZ
Claro Lounge on Market Place has personality in abundance! The eccentric interiors featuring retro wallcoverings, an eclectic array of paintings and mismatched furniture provide a characterful backdrop for a casual daytime dining experience.
Brunch is served at Claro all day and the menu is rather extensive, featuring everything from Breakfast Muffins (£6.50) to Shakshuka (£10.95). It’s middle of the road when it comes to pricing with your brunch dish costing anywhere between £3.15 for toast and £15.50 for The Big Lounge Breakfast. Vegetarians are very well catered to with a handful of tasty-sounding meat-free brunch options including the Miami Brunch (£11.50), consisting of Cheddar and sweetcorn fritters topped with salsa, chilli, feta and poached eggs.
The Olive Tree at Tates
Studley Road, Ripon HG4 2QR
The Olive Tree is a spacious, family-run cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating for diners. Located at Tates Garden Centre, it’s a convenient spot to grab breakfast or brunch in Ripon when seeking essentials for that garden upgrade or new blooms for the coming season. The team at The Olive Tree source many of their ingredients from the garden centre too.
Breakfast and brunch dishes are available all day at The Olive Tree all day everything is reasonably priced, costing anything from £5.00 for a Bacon Sandwich to £11.00 for The ‘Plantsmans’ Breakfast – a full traditional breakfast featuring succulent sausages from P & J Butchers.
All the classic breakfast dishes like Eggs Royale, Smashed Avo on Toast and American Pancakes are on the menu so you’re bound to find your favourite.
As with all our list articles, we’ll be adding to this one over time. If we’ve missed off your favourite place or you think your business deserves to be featured, just let is know by emailing business@theyorkshirepress.co.uk
