These days, when I travel home to England to visit my family and old friends, I always like to be a tourist in my own country. I plan day trips or overnight stays at places I remember from my childhood. One of those this time around was the City of York, a place I fondly recall visiting on a school trip.

York is steeped in centuries of wonderful history and boasts a rich heritage dating back to the Roman era. The city is full of absolutely stunning old English architecture, and you can’t help but marvel at the buildings and tiny cobbled streets in absolute awe. These days, York has become more of a tourist town, though it was once known as the confectionery capital of the UK.

This brings me to an absolute delight of a find. Right in the center of York, in St. Helen’s Square, is a gorgeous and elegant café-tea shop called Bettys. We strolled past it on our way to dinner and decided we’d stop by on the way back to the hotel for dessert.

I looked online at the history of Bettys and thought I’d share a direct quote:

“In 1936 the founder of Bettys, Frederick Belmont, travelled on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary. He was so enthralled by the splendour of the ship that he commissioned the Queen Mary’s designers and craftsmen to turn a dilapidated furniture store into his most sophisticated branch yet – an elegant café in the land-locked location of St. Helen’s Square. Today, as you sit in Bettys surrounded by huge curved windows, elegant wood paneling and ornate mirrors, you can almost imagine yourself aboard a luxury liner.”

We arrived around 9:30 p.m., when the restaurant was relatively quiet, making it easy to get a table. A pianist at a grand piano softly played old tunes, creating a serene atmosphere. Tourists and locals alike sat deep in quiet conversation at their tables, enjoying dinner and desserts, while we were escorted to our little café table.

The café tea room is truly splendid, beckoning you in with a warm glow of amber lighting and friendly, smiling staff. Tiny round tables, decorated with pretty fresh daisies, and white wicker-backed chairs are surrounded by potted plants and high shelves adorned with old teapots.

Looking at the menu, I couldn’t help but smile—this was so very British and lovely. Our waiter, dressed in a clean, crisp white shirt and black apron, came over to take our order. We only wanted to see the dessert trolley. As they wheeled over an array of scrumptious delights, our eyes widened, and any fullness from dinner was suddenly forgotten. I was immediately drawn to the strawberry shortcake with buttercream. Oh my. My sister also picked the same dessert. Instead of tea or coffee, we both ordered a glass of wine.

The dessert was everything I had hoped it would be. Fresh, sweet strawberries nestled in flaky, soft pastry with whipped cream and a side of buttercream that left me speechless. I couldn’t have been happier.

We lingered for a while, soaking in the ambiance of the restaurant—listening to the pianist, admiring the whimsical teapots, and eventually strolling through their shop filled with coffees, teas, and cakes to take away.

I must go back to Bettys, which also offers full meals, afternoon tea (as only the British can do), and of course, simply dessert. What a wonderful way to end our day.