Upstairs at Institution in Hambleton

What a wonderful grazing platter we had for lunch, celebrating our Wedding Anniversary. Staff brilliant and great atmosphere.

This is a really friendly, welcoming cafe with good, tasty food. It’s dog friendly, and our dog was welcomed with a few treats. I’m happy to recommend this place to everyone.

High tea was a most delightful experience the whole presentation & attention to detail first class could not fault, service fab, just remember to book 48 hours in advance and you will not be disappointed.

My husband had a cheese scone and it was very nice. I had the calamari which was also quite nice. However 4 rings of calamari and a small pot of mayonnaise with no garnish for £7.95 I thought was very expensive. A few little touches would have made all the difference. I never mind paying for good food but don’t appreciate being ripped off!!

Normally a nice place, but last twice it’s been truly dreadful. Asked for a sausage sandwich for myself and and a child’s one for my little boy, both without butter. Was told no problem, they do children’s portions. Both came out the same , average size in a rubbish cheap roll (used to be big granary) with two cheap horrendous sausages in, and barely cooked smothered in butter. I mean, really? I was asked when I paid, and told the truth in a polite way, got discounted apparently. Still paid nearly £16, (with two drinks). I’ve been a lot the last few years, but not again. Shame. Bedale lacks a couple of smart cafes, unfortunately, this place is not the answer.

This place was one of the best in Bedale but went slightly downhill a while back. I had heard the owner was away travelling. However he must be back because we visited here last week and the food my friend and I had was really delicious and the pot of tea was great! Lovely seating arrangements and reasonable priced.

Today we had a family gathering for Afternoon Tea, 1st class food and service will definitely be returning, would highly recommend

Nice little cafe. Staff and owner very chatty, nice coffee and mushrooms on toast yummy 😋 Had a slight wait for the card payment machine to wake up from its nap 😴

I ordered a ham sandwich . The staff member said it’s real cooked ham . I then was given two slices of white thin cut already sleeved bread with 3 pieces of the cheapest processed packet ham . This cost £5.45 on its own . A few leaves of salad from a bag accompanied it soaked in dressing . Tea for £2.25 was fine , nothing special

Welcome by the friendly male owner, we ordered hot chocolate, latte, garlic mushrooms, fruit scone & calamari. Everything came quickly, hot chocolate a little too sweet for me and the portion is too small, fruit scone is not nice, not the worst I ever had but it’s not nice, garlic mushroom ok, calamari also nice but only 4 in a portion (more expensive than a restaurant).

Served by lovely waitress Phoebe and male owner. Offered iced lemon water the second we sat down and drinks and food came along in a timely manner. Good sized portions and deliciously tasty, well priced food. Always the ‘go to’ spot in Bedale when we are out that way.

What a beautiful and poignant visit, as we visited the day after my dad passed away. He and my mum loved the Institution so it seemed only fitting. The compassion and love shown by the staff and owners was incredibly touching and so overwhelming. Thank you x

I do not like having to write this review…….I have supported this lovely cafe since it’s opening. However, of late we ( + friends) have found that unfortunately it’s not up to the previous standard it used to be. Coffee is often luke warm…..a recent bacon sandwich tasted as though it had been cooked the day before and not even warmed to serve. I keep hoping normal service will resume, but in the meantime I think I may be going elsewhere. Very sadly disappointing. ☹️. However, the scones are still very nice 😊

My mum and I have frequented the Institution a couple times now and both times we have given the dirty fries a try, hoping they'd be better than the last. Both times they haven't had much sauce on them and the cheese was very scarce. I think they'd be a lot better if sauce and toppings were more generous cause it's more so just fries with a tiny sprinkling of things on top. Other than that the coffee is absolutely lovely, just a shame about the fries :(

We were just going to go to the chippy in Bedale, but it is closed for 10 days. So decided to go here for lunch after seeing what else was available in the town, Institution looked a cut above all the other cafes and it was reasonably priced. The latte was smooth and not too bitter. Grandma’s plaice Goujon sandwich was lovely, little man’s chicken goujon and skinny fries were cooked perfectly and were well seasoned, they were crisp on the outside and soft in the centre, and my mushrooms in garlic and Stilton sauce on whole meal sourdough toast was divine. Couldn’t fault the service from lily either.

Institution has been in Bedale for around 7 years now and it is the busiest coffee shop and restaurant for good reason. The inside is stylish and clean. I do only drink coffee so can't comment on the tea! The coffee is spot on!! The...

Had we found anywhere else still open, we wouldn't have stayed. The 2 girls behind the counter were not welcoming or friendly and really let the place down. Wouldn't go back.

A lovely afternoon tea as a surprise for a colleague who is getting married this weekend. The food was amazing and the staff fully accommodated some food allergies and vegetarians within the group. A five star rating from all of us. Thank you ladies x

This restaurant is a little gem in Bedale. The tapas and main meals are superb. Great drinks menu as well. Went there with our family, really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food and drink. Bill wasn't massive either. Its a welcome change in bedale, probably the...

We fell upon this place enroute to go a holiday cottage in bedale. How wonderful it was! Quirky venue with gorgeous menu and delicious food. The staff were so accommodating, helpful and friendly. We ordered the steak baguette and ploughman’s and it was fabulous. Excellent...

We came for a breakfast and a coffee the staff were fantastic nothing too much trouble very tasty food we will definitely come again 😊

Visited my favourite cafe for a little treat and as always it did not disappoint. The food was amazing (my bacon was lovely, warm & cooked perfectly) all of the staff were as always attentive and couldn’t be more helpful and the wonderful Amy was...

When a friend was visiting from London, I booked us straight in for evening cocktails and tapas. It was the ideal setting for such a reunion - sat on the sofas, watching the world go by and catching up, all while enjoying the incredible beverages...

Food was good, as in my previous review. Service not brilliant. Had to seek out someone to take our food order, & then go down again to find out what had happened to the meals. On each of those occasions it looked as though all...

We had recommended this place to family as we had been previously for breakfast, we came back to have a breakfast with them and was extremely disappointed! We had 3 different girls serving us and they didn’t have a clue what the other had brought...

Fab visit as always! Food was great and staff super friendly and accommodating for our dog and small child, we always have a lovely time when we come in. Really good range of food nice to try something new off the menu and one of...

Went in for breakfast, 4 of us and had such a great experience last time. Hence going back. This time the breakfast arrived and was cold. We had to ask for salt and was told that the waitress had food to bring out and said...

Came here for lunch, was pretty busy so got our food eventually 40 mins later. Staff were friendly. Gorgeous, luxury, boutique I disagree with. Its more a cheap makeover of an old building tbh. Attention to detail has not really been applied. The chicken burger...

We have been quite a few times and the staff are lovely and the food is good. One problem is that they seem to run out of scones quite early. Maybe it would be a good idea to bake more so that people arriving after...

Memories of a very good light lunch some time back when last in the area prompted us to try this venue for Breakfast when we were in the area again. In short - what an absolute gem! Fabulous breakfasts (between us we covered just about...

Unique and diverse healthy and fresh menu. Bao buns, flatbreads and the best burger my son has had in a long time (and he has had many!). Not over complicated just great tasting. Sweet potato fries to die for. Very attentive staff and excellent value...

Popped in for a bit of lunch and glad we did! The whole feel of the place was great, so relaxed. A few comfy sofas, a reading corner, restaurant area and a private dinner room. The decor was mint and made the entire atmosphere of...

Lovely relaxed atmosphere, great food & service as always - best fries & food - cocktails exceptional!!

Great cafe - nicely decorated, very clean and spacious. I am gluten intolerant and the waitress went out of her way to ensure i was looked after. They do gluten free bread, and adapted the halloumi burger for me. The staff were all very friendly...

Well, 18 months late, but we eventually managed it. 3 of us met at the Institution, recommended by the Birthday Girl, as it's convenient for me from near Knaresborough & the others from Leyburn. The menu suited us perfectly, the table space was good, &...

We’ve been frequenting the Institution Cafe for the last couple of years and normally it’s really good but today the service at best was average. Received our Lattes and ask for sugar. Nothing. Not good

On our arrival to the area for a three night stay we came across the Institution with seating inside and out. As the weather was lovely we chose to eat outside, but you do have the option. The service was prompt, staff welcoming and food...

Lovely cafe, stopped for breakfast on the off chance they would be able to serve us. Very nice food and staff and clearly very popular. Would recommend if you are in the area visiting and not sure where to eat.

We called for a light lunch, and were seated on arrival. Menus and drinks very prompt. Our meals, my wife had Avocado, grape and cheese toasted sandwich served with crisps and a bowl of mixed leaves with a very tasty dressing. Myself, a savoury croissant...

I have visited this cafe 4 times and each time there has been a "confrontation" of some sort by staff with a customer. The customers are not right - only the staff. When one asked for a lipstick marked cup to be replaced, the response...

Great atmosphere, very good service and brilliant food. These people deserve to be top of the town. They know how to make good coffee too.

Popped in as in the area,waitress was so helpful,nothing was too much trouble- changed the menu for us and helped making a food choice. Food- wonderful,tasty and fresh,well presented A lovely eating experience - great range of drinks,coffee tea etc Next time we travel to...

Very nice breakfast with a beer ! Professional and warming staff in a lovely setting. Just what small market towns like Bedale need ! Well deserved tip!

Amazing scone with jam and clotted cream, lovely lemon drizzle cake and great coffee. Staff attentive and prices reasonable

I’ve seen this place in its diapers and I’m loving how it has evolved! I’ve already been twice this week, need to plan some cocktails as they look amazing! Could recommend the Breakfast bao bun- above my expectations! I do miss the fig chutney and pear sandwich tho, I shall enquire if it’s going to return :) Best caffe in Yorkshire for sure.

Ah at last! Able to visit indoors with friends 💗. Love the updated decor and yet more space. Absolutely delightful lunch, flat bread with hummus, falafel & goats cheese and my friend had a halloumi & orange salad. The most delicious cake and coffee to...

This iconic cafe and its dedicated team have been absolute superstars throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Continually pivoting to meet the needs of the community, Institution has provided prompt deliveries of their legendary scones, grazing boxes and afternoon teas, doorstep drop-offs of specially created cocktails, and even light entertainment on social media. Truly, the team has been an integral part of getting the town through a difficult time, in spite of facing their own business-based struggles.Now it is time to re-open, and thank goodness for this beloved spot. A real home-from-home, to which it is fabulous to return. Indeed, the fact that we flock to a place called "Institution" because it is so uplifting to our collective mental health is almost as funny as the daily jokes on their Facebook page. Almost.

Best cakes in town!!!! Especially at the moment when you need that wee pick up to ward off the COVID19 blues. Get their early their amazing scones go like wildfire trust me mmmmmm

We found this place through trip advisor. It was clean, spacious and staff were friendly and accommodating.We went there to get breakfast before out drive back home after staying locally.We had a full English and a vegetarian breakfast. Our daughter didn’t want anything off the menu but they were happy to knock her up an egg and sausage on toast.We had a pot of tea and a coffee too.All in all cost £26, we were stuffed.

Lovely place and nice atmosphere. Great coffee , safe Covid procedure. Found this place by accident and so pleased we did.

We have visited here a couple of times for breakfast and what a find!The food is absolutely delicious, especially the eggs royale and poached eggs with avocado and toast. Coffee was some of the nicest i have found in North Yorkshire.The service is warm and efficient and there is such a lovely atmosphere upon entering.We're in the restaurant trade ourselves so really appreciate it when we stumble upon somewhere that gets it so right! Its definitely our new favourite place to eat and we will be back to try the evening menu.Well done to all that work there and the owner, you're doing a wonderful job, especially in the circumstances. We will be back lots!

A lovely cafe! The food was delicious and beautifully presented. The staff were very kind and quick. Good quality food for the price too! Would highly recommend.

Lovely lunch yesterday Tables set nicely apart. All looked immaculately clean and as safe as anywhere can be in these uncertain times. Friendly staff. Lovely food. I had the Ploughman’s lunch and everything was delicious. Friend had avocado salad

Wonderful breakfast in lovely surroundings with great service. This establishment is a great addition to the village, which I have visited for many years. 10/10 from me.

We were looking for somewhere that served coffee AND wine and somewhere we could just relax and watch the world go by. We have three dogs, all of which are friendly (but one who is 'barky') and it is sometimes hard to find somewhere we feel comfortable. We found a table outside and the staff brought us water for the dogs and doggy treats. We had intended just to have drinks but when we saw the menu, we decided to stay for lunch. Between us we had stilton mushrooms, sweet potato fries, mozzarella and pesto panini and cheese toastie with lovely salad. The food was delicious. The girls who served us were all lovely and made a real fuss of our three dogs. Our main waitress, Amy was especially nice and did us a very personalised receipt (which will be going into our memory box).We are on holiday and decided to try somewhere else for lunch today (please see my other reviews) but on second thoughts headed back to our little gem in Bedale. We were greeted like old friends and once again had a lovely relaxed lunch. Amy, Emily and the other staff were all amazing. We have reserved our table for breakfast tomorrow!! Thank you so much for making our stay in Bedale so memorable!!

Stopped for coffee and decided to try a cherry and almond scone👍👍👍 Staff service excellent and the two girls who served at our table were extremely pleasant . Prices ok Good range of food

We popped in for cocktails, which were 2 for 1 on Friday between 5-7pm. Great decor, lovely atmosphere and friendly staff. Menu looks great so we will be back to try food.

We booked weeks in advance and were allocated an awful table next to the staircase. We asked to move and were told no despite noticing a few empty tables. I ordered a garlic mushroom as a starter and it was very poor. It was just one slice of bread slapped on a plate , I would have expected for the very least some garnish. The waiting staff were not wearing masks, the walnut cake was dry, coffee stale and served with sugar cubes with no serving tongues so God only knows how many fingers have helped themselves from that sugar bowl . Use sachets and covid awareness training won’t go a miss

Can’t praise Institution highly enough for their stylish takeaway afternoon teas. Beautifully, thoughtfully and carefully presented delicious food In a stylish red box, complete with tissue paper wrapping and small bouquet of flowers. Nothing is too much trouble for Nigel, Diane and their wonderful team.

Fantastic ti be able to go back to the Institution, new layout feels very safe and relaxing. Service and food continue to be excellent, even the dogs were happy to be back and be spoilt by the staff. Will be back next Saturday morning.

Warm chicken salad for lunch £8. However this was more of a starter size with lunch size price, served in what l wound describe as a breakfast bowl. Tasty but sooo stingy. Wish I had taken a photo ! No problem with staff or service and told waitress that portion very small for price. Don’t know if comment was passed on.

After going to Bettys for Afternoon Tea last Saturday, coming here today absolutely blew them out water. Best place i have had afternoon tea at. The selling point to me is fact more sandwiches come out, good quality too not bare sparse sandwiches like most afternoon tea places, the scones were delicious and home made, the lemon mousse with raspberries was a lovely touch, the strawberry dipped in chocolate, the cakes, clearly a lot of thought and passion goes into this place by the owners and staff. Plenty of jam, cream, tons of food available for us a party of 7. They even offered us to box up remains to take home - most times you have afternoon tea its that tiny there are no remains! The staff didnt delay in topping tea up and sandwiches, we didn't have to wait they kept an eye on it without us needing to even ask for more so was a pleasant touch. Shout out to the male member of staff, very attentive and loved his comment "you're not leaving till plates are empty!" my kind of attitude at an eating place haha. Im definitely going back with other friends and relatives and us lot already arranging our next visiy, well worth the money and the service is so warm. Thanks to all there.

What a super place this is. It doesn’t look much outside but inside it’s so comfortable with lovely sofas and dining arrangements we were spoilt for choice.Although we only had coffee and scones( home cooked) everything was perfect.

Lovely independent cafe where you are made to feel so welcome. We visited for the first time yesterday and had great coffee and fabulous home baked scones. There is lots of choice on the menu to suit all tastes especially for lunch. The breakfasts look amazing as do the afternoon teas. There’s a lovely atmosphere in the cafe and there were obviously lots of regulars when we were there. It’s dog friendly too. Highly recommended!

Fabulous tapas, grazing platters and halloumi fries 🥰. As always made to feel so welcome, we didn’t want to leave, thanks everyone xx

What a great relaxing coffee shop, a real plus for us in Bedale, if Bedale required a real plus - which it doesn’t. Great food and coffee. Very relaxed seating, great staff very friendly. We will definitely be back soon.

Lovely independent cafe, Ticks all my boxes top notch :-) I only had a coffee but it was excellent I might even nip back again later today

Beautiful scones and cakes - all home made. Reasonable prices, and good ambiance. We often pop in for a coffee and a nice sit-down in very comfy chairs.

We called in for lunch today after being recommended to try The Institution by a friend.. and I've got to say we were very impressed both with the standard of the food and the excellent service by the lovely staff. There is a good, varied menu.. we had the brie/cranberry/bacon paninis.. and the sweet potato fries.. delicious!Thank you.. we'll be back soon!

We met up with an old family friend who lives locally and recommended it. We had lunch, good range of choices and very nicely prepared. Service was great, I would thoroughly recommend it.

My first time in Bedale for many years, Institution was new to me but a family member told me how nice it was. Coffee was lovely and the chocolate cake I had was delicious. Service was very friendly and would definitely go back again.

Sensational cocktails and tantalising tapas perfect way to spend a Friday night. I highly recommend dining here, the food is always top notch and team are just amazing! They are so welcoming and thoughtful in everything that they do, thanks everyone xx

We always call in here for coffee and scones when visiting Bedale. The scones which are freshly made each day are outstanding and many tempting varieties. On this occasion we missed out as all the day's scones had gone....but the wonderful lemon drizzle cake made up for the disappointment of arriving too late for scones.

We planned to visit Aiskew for car fuel and decided to stop for the WOLS (Wife's Obligatory Latte Stop). I had noticed The Institute while crossing the infamous junction but this was our first visit. We went up to the first floor, looked comfy, decent amount of space between tables, clean, tidy and good decor. We ordered a variety of paninis, a pot of tea and, of course, the latte. It didn't take very long to arrive and I expected it to take a while because the place is obviously popular. That's always a good sign, I believe. Anyway, everything was perfectly fine and the cost was good.

A new venture for institution. Plenty of cocktails to choose from and with a group of 10 people I think we tried the majority. Cocktails enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by tapas. Excellent service in the evening just like the day.

We went to Institution three times during our holiday in The Dales. The food was delicious and good quality. We had sandwiches served with small side salad, bacon rolls which were delicious and the homemade cheese scones which are the best I have ever tasted. Great tea and coffee.

A group of us visited to today for my friend’s baby’s shower for afternoon tea and the service and food we received was some of the best I have ever had. Amazing attention to detail, the staff were friendly and attentive and the food was brilliant. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone wanting afternoon tea. First class, thank you very much for making myself and my friends feel so welcome.

Great place, good atmosphere, very reasonable prices for the wine and fantastic and original buffet spread (The pastrami was incredible!!) A thoroughly enjoyable evening.

What a lovely place. Well looked after and lovely for a catch up with friends. Relax with a glass of wine or a coffee. I love the sandwiches they do. A little different. Also the sharing boards.

I have now enjoyed 3-4 visits to the Institution and have never left disappointed.

Lovely cafe, 1st time visited and wont be the last. Parked our pikes outside and got a table outside in the sunshine, coffee, tea, cakes and scones were all very tasty and fairly priced. Service excellent, v friendly and efficient staff. Smashing

I want to thank Nigel and Diane for our wonderful evening get together to say goodbye to my work colleagues. The quality of the grazing buffet was exceptional and nearly everyone took some home! So much choice with cheeses, cooked meats etc, it was delicious. To be able to relax with friends in the private dining room which is so tastefully decorated was an absolute pleasure. Welcome drinks were served downstairs on arrival. Such a lot of hard work, but very much appreciated thankyou.

The is a really lovely place to eat.

Called in after a day at a dog agility show with our dogs for coffee and cake. We were made most welcome, the waitress brought us a little bowl of biscuits for the dogs. Lovely lemon sponge cake.

Called in to this place for a light lunch. The menu has some things with a twist to the normal run of the mill snack. I had the blue cheese, beetroot,apple and walnut salad and as well as being very tasty it was presented very well. Coffee was great and all very reasonably priced. The placed is very relaxed and has with the other floors plenty of room. I would definitely go back next time I am in the town.

We called here for drinks. Our dog was also made welcome with a fresh bowl of water and some tasty treats, Lovely clean and tidy place. Great staff, reasonable prices.

Saw on trip advisor so decided to try. Absolutely delicious food and very friendly staff and owner. Kids got a few little complimentary Easter eggs which was a nice touch. Try the haloumi fries and sweet potato fries, both gorgeous.

Been here twice. Daughter is vegan and was catered for very well. Friendly staff and great atmosphere We will be back

We were visiting the Bedale car boot sale with friends and we were looking for somewhere to have lunch when it had finished. We decided to eat here and we were really glad we did! We were greeted very warmly by all the staff when we arrived and they arranged some tables so the four of us could eat together. Nothing was too much trouble. We really enjoyed our lunch and the staff were very courteous and really made us feel very welcome. It’s a great place to eat and will definitely return in the future!

Extremely pleasant staff and owner, breakfast served all day, service is quick and efficient ana great array of themed areas. Only downside is that they sell out of scones so quickly and I can never seem to get my hands on one! Would recommend as a nice place to read a book and do some work.

Traffic on A1 was dreadful so we decided to turn off and drove couple miles to Bedale. Lovely little village with lots of shops but we spied Institution Boutique Cafe. We had lovely homemade soup and sandwich lunch, some of of the nicest scones and cake we have had anywhere, washed down with generous cafeterier of house blend coffee.

This was a return visit for us - we called in last October on our last visit to Bedale. We just were wanting a cup of tea and a snack - so we opted for homemade scones, which proved to be probably the best scones ever! There were a few options, but we chose Cherry & Almond, and Date & Walnut.....superb! Check this place out if in Bedale!

Friends / family light lunch fabulous beetroot, orange, walnut and hallumi salad. Very filling! Fab service and value. Very good with allergy - no fuss - no embarrassment. Will be back again

We made a reservation as we were a party of 10 coming for afternoon tea. This is a busy cafe so I would advise making reservations if you are a large group. The cafe is very cosy and quaint as soon as we were seated we our afternoon tea's were served. The staff were very attentive at re-filling our drinks and very generous with sandwiches. The only reason I'm giving this 4* instead of 5 is that I didn't really like the sandwich choices but that's my personal preference. The food was all fresh and well presented. Also be warned there may be a queue for the toilets as there is only one of each and there a bit of a trek to get to!

Food is wonderful and fresh. The staff are so friendly they always have a smile. Dogs are allowed in here (downstairs) The toilets have recently been redone and look great. Mother and baby friendly too

7/2/2019 Another visit for a lovely lunch,the best sandwiches !! Cheese/Apple/Fig Chutney and Stilton Cheese /Beetroot all served with salad and crisps ,all freshly made.10/10

Welcoming, cosy, fantastic choice, food quality fabulous, dog friendly. Called in for brunch and what a find- loved it! Enough to make us change our shopping habits- we'll be back, then do our weekly shop in Bedale's independent retailers from now on, who says the high street is dead!! Just what the area needed only wish they opened at night too.

What could be better a lovely tea room that not only serves meals but amazing selection of gins. Will definitely call again.

The coffee, the food, the staff, the atmosphere and the welcome, all fabulous! Thank you for making our (and our little dog's) visit to Bedale so perfect. We will be back for more!

Walking around Bedale looking for somewhere to go with our dog ,we came upon this lovely boutique cafe advertising being dog friendly so in we go !!