Amazing food at mouthwatering prices will be on the menu when Helmsley and the Howardian Hills play host to the area’s first Restaurant Week.
The celebration of all things gastronomic will showcase the region’s award-winning culinary scene, drawing in locals and visitors with set-price menus and exclusive offers.
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and tearooms in the area are being encouraged to sign up for the event, which will take place between 23 February and 1 March next year.
Named ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ in the 2024 Good Food Guide, Helmsley and the Howardian Hills are situated in a National Landscape where food producers work with local farmers to create delicious locally sourced dishes. The week will also take in the surrounding towns of Malton, Easingwold and Kirkbymoorside.
Delivered by Visit North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council’s destination marketing and management service, it is being held in conjunction with the Howardian Hills National Landscape, North York Moors National Park, Helmsley Town Council, and YorkMix radio station.
Successful Restaurant Weeks have already been held in Harrogate, Selby and Whitby.
The aim is to encourage visitors and residents to try out new establishments or return to local favourites with participating businesses providing special set price menus throughout the week at one of five fixed price points – £15, £20, £25, £30 or £35.
Executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include visitor economy, said: “North Yorkshire is renowned for its great food and warm welcomes and Helmsley and the Howardian Hills epitomise this.
“Whether its cosy pubs, fine dining restaurants or corner cafes, there is something for every taste and budget and I would encourage everyone to get involved.
“By taking part in Restaurant Week, you will be shining a spotlight on the area, which will lead to both old friends returning and new customers coming through the door.”
Chair, Cllr George Jabbour, who represents Helmsley and is chair of the Howardian Hills National Landscape Partnership, said he was delighted that the area was taking part in Restaurant Week.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to really showcase their talents,” he said. “There are so many outstanding venues across Helmsley and the Howardian Hills and it would be wonderful to see them sign up to take part.
“It is indeed a win-win situation - businesses will benefit from increased trade, and residents and visitors will get to taste high quality food at great prices.”
Adam Hyman, publisher of The Good Food Guide, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Helmsley and the Howardian Hills Restaurant Week.
“One of our purposes is to support restaurants in local communities around Britain and the Restaurant Week is a great initiative that does this.
“Following our award to Helmsley and The Howardian Hills as our Most Exciting Food Destination for 2024, it is great to see this region continuing to celebrate great restaurants and hospitality.”
Ellie Hook, manager of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, said food and the rolling scenery of the area went hand in hand.
“The gourmet food offered by our local eateries is directly inspired by, and intrinsically linked to, the outstanding beauty and character of the Howardian Hills National Landscape,” she said.
“We are delighted to support this new initiative to encourage people to explore new places to eat and savour our local produce.”
See more information on North Yorkshire Restaurant Weeks, along with details on how to sign up.
Businesses which do not already have a free business listing on the Visit North Yorkshire website can create one after registering for Restaurant Week.