White Rose Books and Coffee Bar in Hambleton - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

We stopped in Thirsk to break a long car journey - there were so many cafes that we didn’t know which to choose, but we decided on the White Rose because we love bookshops, and we definitely made the right choice. The cafe is towards the back of this lovely shop. The chairs are comfortable and well spaced, and the staff who served us were so friendly and welcoming. We had coffee, scones and cakes and they were all delicious. There is an upstairs gallery with more books, and we came upon a group of babies and their parents having a very happy singalong session. There is such a good community feel to this shop. Highly recommended, and if we’re in Thirsk again we’ll know where to go for our coffee!

We stopped here for lunch on the way back from holiday. The food was delicious. The team was very friendly. Couldn't resist a purchase in the book shop too. What's not to like.... Cake and books in one place.

Lovely garden. Really good cappuccino and latte.. Nice relaxing place to watch birds and insect while you’re having a break.

This seems a popular place for locals and tourists as we got the last table when we visited. Decent range of sandwiches, cakes etc. Helpful staff. Nice to see an independent book store surviving. I suspect the cafe is part of the reason.

Bacon dry, service terrible, manager not bothered to serve, better places to eat in thirsk. Very disappointing.

Called in the book shop on a busy, warm day visiting Thirsk Decided the menu look tempting so stayed for a cream tea and a savoury tea. Sat outside in the lovely garden. One of the best cheese scones I’ve had in a long time.

Good local bookshop, not just for James Herriot fans! Coffee shop is fantastic, great coffee and cakes!

I know it’s covid but everyone else In the town is serving on China so why are you serving everything in plastic? Really ruins what is normally a lovely visit. Such a shame!

I only had a coffee, as did my husmand who joined me, but I bought a wide selection of books and calendars for my granddaughter, friends and for me! some I haven`t seen reviewed but others were only released this week, the Richard Osman, Raynor Winn and the Ann Cleeves. The staff were friendly and although the coffee was in a paper cup due to Covid, I could sit for as long as i wanted, excellent, although I kept on spending as a result!The upstairs toilets were spotless.I look forward to bringing my granddaughter here in the future.

Lovely seating area to the back of the book shop. We had a Yorkshire Cream Tea (fruit scone, jam and a pot of cream), they were delicious, the garden is a little sun trap, we will definitely come again especially as it is dog friendly too.

We visited this cafe today and being in the catering industry ourselves were highly delighted to see that they follow most of the government guidelines for catering. 2m spacing, track and trace recording, , face covering when serving, and contactless payment. The only thing missing was sanitised tables when people left. Congratulations and well done.

Generally we pop in to purchase signed books by both of the Yorkshire Vets. There is a good selection of local interest books as well as ordnance survey and map books. We have only eaten in the coffee bar once so far, but what we had was excellent.

Popped into this little cafe for drinks and cakes ans so glad we did. Surrounded by books and lovely, lovely home made cakes. I chose the cheese scone and was asked if I wanted it toasted and boy, was that the best option ever. Definite food envy from my partner. Everything served well and the coffee was tasty without being bitter. Lovely relaxed vibe to the place even tho it was busy outside. There also seemed to be a good timetable of events that met in the cafe so a good heart to Thirsk. Would definitely come back here again

Warm welcome, great coffee and food looked delicious. The selection of books was great, something for every age. One of our favourite coffee stops.

I arranged a business meeting in this cafe in Thirsk being roughly half way for both of us. Car parking just across the way - free first hour then 80p per hour. Staff friendly and a reasonable GF selection. I visited twice over last month and the last visit had a lemon and ginger sponge cake - delightful.

Welcoming café in an independent bookshop. Nice coffee and a warm welcome. Not the world’s biggest bookshop, but nonetheless well stocked, and certainly adds to the ambiance.

This is a lovely place to visit for a quick coffee and chat, or a more leisurely lunch. The menu is varied, and reasonably priced. Food is prepared freshly, and well presented - tasty and plentiful. Payment is taken at the bookshop end of the building, which can be a bit confusing, but OK when you know about it.

I made a special visit with my two and four year old for the book launch of their hero, Julian Norton (The Yorkshire Vet). Travelling from Buxton in Derbyshire with two very small children to a place I had never been to was a little daunting (some might say crazy) so I phoned the book cafe in advance and the friendly staff were incredibly understanding and kind. We arrived in good time and enjoyed a lovely lunch in the cafe. There is nice menu including kids section which arrived at the table on sensible plastic plates for the little ones and their food was brought out first which, although sounds obvious good sense to a parent, rarely happens when you're out and about. The staff were so lovely and accommodating and helped give my little ones the most fantastic experience. Brilliant staff, delicious food, and a really lovely little gem of a book shop. Well done to all and thank you so much for a day we won't forget in a hurry!! Superb!!

Spent a lovely 2 or 3 hours here, browsing books, having coffee and cake and chatting with the wonderful owner.

Lovely atmosphere, excellent coffee and sumptuous cakes. Always busy the sign of a good eating place. Nice friendly cafe. Excellent wifi to book.

When we make our annual visit to Thirsk we always call in for coffee knowing that it will be delicious and served by friendly staff.

Not only does my favourite Bookshop in North Yorkshire have an AMAZING range of Books, but they sell the BEST Vanilla Milkshake and Red Orange & Lemon cake in the whole of North Yorkshire too!!!And they have nice, friendly staff too!!!I can't visit North Yorkshire without making a special trip here!!!!

Our first visit, very nice setting amongst the books. Good selection of sandwiches, wraps, panini, specials and cakes. Great service and lovely food.

Lovely bookshop that full of locals enjoying great coffee, cake, lunch etc. Nice atmosphere to settle in with a book, on a busy race day in town.

While on a visit to Thirsk we called for an afternoon drink. We sat in a very pleasant garden area at the rear of the shop. Our waiter was very polite and attentive. We chose 2 slices of Rocky Road, a slice of Victoria sponge cake and a lemonade and cup of tea. The cakes were homemade and fresh.

Don't miss this gem in Thirsk market place. Great selection of books, including range of local books and lovely cafe environment and food.

Popped in to this super bookshop and cafe for a pot of tea after exploring the surrounding countryside. What a marvellous place. The welcome was genuinely friendly and the there was a range of mouthwatering-looking cakes and scones that made us regret our cooked breakfast because we were too full to try them. If I lived locally I'd visit every day!

What a find this place is! Such a magical book shop with a super tea room at the back. The drinks are varied. The cakes and scones are scrumptious. Well worth a visit.

A delightful coffee shop inside a bookshop. We just dropped in for a (very large) pot of tea after having spent the day visiting the local museums. Highly recommended. Great choice of cards too, and we didn't leave without buying a book either.

So very relaxing I nearly fell a sleep. Marvellous atmosphere on a sunday afternoon. Tasty tea and well worth a return visit. Bookshop has large selection and again is very relaxed. A wonderful way to do business.

This is a lovely little coffee shop set inside a book shop. Staff are really friendly. We had Panini’s, which were lovely, served with homemade Coleslaw and salad. Followed by a piece of Raspberry and Coconut cake, which was really gorgeous, if I had had the room I would have had a second piece...Well worth a visit and not to expensive

Had tea and scones in small garden at rear, because we had our dog with us. Excellent service, thanks.

Food was basic but pleasant. Gentleman who served us was polite, charming and courteous. Had to take our payment slip to the book shop payment area where the older lady serving made me feel uncomfortable by repeatedly asking how tall I was. We were not chatting, and this was not part of any pleasant banter. I normally don’t mind this type of interaction, but this time it was simply rude and inappropriate.

Excellent food as always and really good size servings. Great value for money, the service is so efficient too

A very popular bookshop and café, with a good range of cakes, scones, sandwiches etc. Prices are very reasonable and the service exemplary.

There are a wide assortment of books and other things in this place, alongside a lovely cafe which I have now introduced to friends and family. The cakes are amazing and the sandwiches delicious too. Well worth a visit

really lovely staff who treat you like a good friend not a customer.nothing is too much trouble and helped us with all our requirements.

We regularly visit Thirsk and always try and visit the White Rose. The breakfast sandwiches are perfect and it is always such a lovely friendly place to call into. You are made to feel really welcome. Highly recommend.

A wonderful combination - excellent small restaurant and lovely book store. We came here fo a light lunch but ended up having sandwiches, pannini's and terrific desserts. We tried both the carrot and the Temple cakes. Definitely first rate.

My wife and I visited the coffee bar yesterday and wasn't disappointed soup of the day was parsnip and Honey it came piping hot and plentiful with a warm roll and butter a toasted teacake 2 pots of piping hot tea and extra boiling water and two homemade cakes delicious all the staff very pleasant indeed ticked away at the back of the bookshop have a good range of hot and cold sandwiches and paninis

I love a cafe in a book shop, it combines 2 of my greatest passions. I had courgette and stilton soup and it was really lovely.

As usual we received delicious coffee served by very friendly staff. The selection of books is tremendous and it was good to see so many customers in the shop.

We were recommended to try this cafe and it certainly lived up to the recommendation. It was at the back of a lovely bookshop. The very friendly waitress asked us to take a seat and said she would be along to take our order. We chose home made soup and a sandwich, both were delicious. The cafe had a lovely and friendly atmosphere, very helpful staff and great food. The only minus - it is a long way from our home!

While visiting the market town of Thirsk, one of our favourite days out, we called into White Rose Books and Cafe. We were ready for a it stop and called in for a coffee, the staff were lovely and we had an enjoyable drink. After finishing our drinks we then perused the bookshop and gifts, we purchased a book or two and some cards for future birthdays and occasions. A couple of hours or so later, after a good wander around the town centre we went back and this time along with our coffees we sampled some of their delicious cakes, the slices were huge. We were well fed and ready for our next port of call. The prices are very reasonable and all the staff in all areas are friendly and helpful. We have been before and will visit again next time we are in Thirsk. The town and bookshop/cafe are well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Popped in while staying in Thirsk . Friendly staff, quick service, lovely pot of tea and scones went down well! Really well stocked book shop to browse around.

Charming little bookstore with great new titles, a little bit of every genre, and a small cafe in the back with breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Friendly, fast service, very pleasant and accommodating when we mentioned we were tight for time.

It's a great bookshop and the coffee bar is a relaxing place to have a coffee, scone or a piece of cake.

Popped in here while staying nearby, for a snack. Was tempted by the savoury tea which is a take on the usual cream tea but consisted of cheese scone, a piece of Wensleydale cheese and caramelised onion chutney plus tea or coffee. Was not disappointed, it was really lovely. Service was quick and friendly. Scone was light and tasty, cheese was great and chutney delicious. Pot of tea was very nice. So nice to have a savoury option for those of us who do not actually like the usual cream tea offerings and it's a bargain at £5.50. If we come back to Thirsk we will definitely visit again.

Me and my partner ordered a Mocha, Tea for one and a slice of coffee cake. All were good value for money and the cake in particular was amazing. Service was good, friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere. Would recommend.

Like the idea of a cafe - not just a coffee shop - in a book store

We called into the book shop to browse for cards and noticed that it had a cafe at the rear. We ordered two coffees which we considered were quite expensive. The cafe was virtually empty, but for some reason the coffees took an age to come. The waitress was pleasant however and we weren't in a hurry so on this occassion it was acceptable.

I recently moved to Thirsk and came here with my toddler for a browse, coffee and cake. We had just missed the 10am story time, but we were made to feel very welcome and they were very warm around my little boy, they even tucked his seat in for me. There are some very beautiful gifts and books, we will definitely be back :)

Great little cafe on the square with friendly staff and freshly prepared food. Recommended for a quick break when in Thirsk

We called in at lunchtime for a sandwich. Mary had said “Let’s try here’ so we did.

Extremely tasty food, good value for money. Great service, a lovely atmosphere and sooooo many beautiful books, cards, note books. I could have easily have got so many gifts from here (for myself as much as anyone else!) Id highly recommend popping in for lunch (& a book or two).

Popped into this book cafe on Sunday 11th march with a friend for coffee and cake.

We called in for coffee to get out of the blizzard conditions outside! It had obviously been quite busy as the table we sat at hadn't been cleared. However, the waitress soon came and cleared and took our order. The coffee was delicious - nice and strong even in the latte. The paying system is a bit bizarre as you have to go to the cafe counter to get your bill and then take it to the book counter to pay! I noticed that we'd been over charged, so queried it with the waitress and this was quickly rectified before I paid.

We stopped here for coffee which was lovely. We also shared a cheese scone which the young girl was happy...

Stopped of in the beautiful village of Thirsk , went into this lovely book shop to find It has a...

I already Spoke to the owner today. I don't think she realises how shocked and disappointed I was yesterday. A...

Food was good and tasty, service was swift and friendly. Cake was delicious. Heard discussions with a lady about gluten...

we always call in and look at the books and are then drawn in by smell of the coffee. worth...

Popped in for a browse and a brew. Soup was Tomato and Chorizo. I could not taste or see any...

I paid £6.50 for a turkey panini (for that price, I expected chunks, not meagre slices) and it was served...

This was very close to the James Herriot Museum, so we stopped in for lunch. It was not only good food, but also interesting to see all the items on the walls.

A lovely spot to get quiet and have a nice lunch. I think prices are a bit on the dear side. The cake was fabulous. BUT if you’re going to charge £6 for a simple sandwich with no crisps you need use to use better ingredients. Was shocked at the “butter”. Worried what’s in cake - nasty cage laid eggs?

A great place to 'hang' - books, cards, free wifi, good coffee and cake - very nice place to meet friends or just browse alone. Shame there aren't more places like this: hope it keeps going...

We called for a light snack for lunch. Service is efficient and friendly. The food appears to be deliciously home made. There are books and magazines all around. Prices may be near the to of the range for such an establishment but weighing in all the factors the ite fair value for money.

Stopped off to break a journey. Lovely book shop with café at the back. We actually sat outside in the garden as it was warm enough despite being in October. Lovely homemade cakes which tasted as good as they looked. Lots of lovely things to buy and an upstairs too.

I am Disappointed at the lack of Customer Service and attention to Customers, Most times I walk in the staff are stood behind the Counter, the Customers are the Priority, Not the Dirty Tables and washing up. People don't want to hear ' sorry ' they want to be acknowledged and spoken to..I don't like being ignored!

My 11 year old and I decided to visit the cafe after having spent a while looking around the book shop. The location of the cafe is very good and provides a relaxed atmosphere. We had coffee/hot chocolate and toasted tea cakes. My daughter originally wanted white hot chocolate but it was sold out and so she opted for the milk chocolate with added chocolate buttons! Service was prompt and friendly. Only downside was the toasted nature of the tea cakes was a bit severe and scraping was required. Not burnt enough to send back, but enough to think it was done far too much.

Passing through Thirsk about 4pm on a Sunday afternoon we looked in hopes for a cafe for light refreshments to see us onwards for the rest of our journey. We came across the White Rose Book cafe & in truth, expected to be turned away as it really was very near closing time, but, we were welcomed in. Lovely. The place was a little Aladdin's cave for any book lover. The whole shop looked so inviting, and we wished we had all afternoon to sit and look through the books and cards. The cafe served us lovely food and we all agreed that if we lived in Thirsk this would become a very regular pit stop for us.

This is a lovely tea room offering delicious homemade cakes etc. There is also a pretty garden at the rear as well.Free WiFi as well.

My husband had a double espresso and was actually charged double the single price(£3.60!)..even large well known chains don't do this. My so called flat white was only half full after I'd skimmed off the foam? We did query the price of his but didn't really get a satisfactory reply. Would go to Cafe Nero if ever in Thirsk again.

We called in to have breakfast and to break our journey. The service was excellent, the setting was just the thing for booklovers and our bacon sandwiches and coffee were excellent. We hope to be back.

If you have kids particularly but even if you don't and you just like to read and eat and drink whilst doing it, then this place is great. It has a lovely, cosy room upstairs with seats, lovely books and colouring for kids and downstairs is a café. You could spend a lovely hour or two here with children perhaps on a day when the weather's not so good and the lady said they also offer a story time. They have a really brilliant selection of kids books some I'd never seen- and I go to a lot of bookshops-and a nice sale section where we picked up lots of little paper backs for my daughter for 50p each and I found some lovely cards. Basically, if you're into books, cake and coffee, it's heaven.

What a lovely visit, surrounded by a really good range of books, many with reviews by staff. Also thank goodness still a good selection of James Herriot. In addition this is a very comfortable place to take a seat and enjoy a nice cup of tea and a toasted tea cake after a walk. Other cakes are available!Will look forward to our next visit.

We are very lucky to have this gem nearby and we make regular visits to it with family and friends. The cafe has something for everyone on the menu from cakes to sandwiches to soup etc. The bookshop is amazing as well. Service is great!! Will carry on visiting

I visited Thirsk and was looking around for a lunchtime snack. I had already popped into the White Rose Book shop to browse their books before deciding to go back and eat there. There are a few coffee shops and deli's etc within Thirsk centre but on looking at the boards outside to view the menus for lunch, I noticed a few of them were advertised as being 'dog friendly' . Don't get me wrong, I do like dogs but I wouldn't really want to share a cafe with one (or two or three!) White Rose Book Cafe didn't look like they let dogs in so I headed there for lunch. Service was quick and friendly and I ordered a tuna panini and a regular latte. The panini was cooked to order and was absolutely delicious. It was served with side salad and a separate portion of coleslaw. The panini was generously filled with pure tuna (rather than being mixed with mayonnaise to make it go further) and just the right amount of cheese. Coffee was lovely - slightly smaller than the regular coffees we are used to - I personally would class it as a small size but lovely none the less. One point of feedback is that the panini would be better served on a dinner plate rather than a side plate as the panini was quite large and it was difficult to eat to ensure that it stayed on the plate ;) On visiting the loo which is upstairs, I noticed that the book selection goes on and on which is great for book lovers. The cafe is clean and tidy (as was the ladies loo!) Cost for a panini and a coffee was £8.80 so a bit more pricey than I would pay at home but then it is in Dale country and also a tourist hot spot so I would say about average for the area. Lovely experience and will pop in again next time I'm in Thirsk!

Lovely tranquil place to stop for a cuppa and a snack. At the edge of the town square. You can choose from a fairly wide menu and the place is always busy. But you're welcome to just sit and read. There is a spot with settees and high chairs so mums can get together whilst the babies hang out !. A garden at the rear with more tables.It's just great - we always call when passing through.

Beautiful Sunday afternoon taking in the yarnbombs of Thirsk & in need of refreshment, ordered a couple of lattes which were gorgeous, I was tempted by the appetising cakes on display including gluten free options, but resisted, great concept of a cafe in a book store, optimises the space whilst maximising custom. A lovely small seated area outside to the rear & discount for taking drinks off site (no VAT). Very pleasant visit.

Dropped in for a delicious tea with cakes. Would very much recommend the Victoria Sponge. Bought some paperbacks at the checkout. Very good for young children

We have called in at this little gem of a bookshop/cafe several times and always found it to be excellent. The food is all freshly prepared and is generous.

This is a lovely little bookshop and cafe. The food is good and reasonably priced. The service could not be more helpful and the garden at the rear is a real bonus on warm days. It has a play house which our little granddaughters love playing in. Highly recommended.

Afternoon tea with friends, we had coffee's, tea's and a hot water! Cakes were delicious too many gorgeous ones to choose from. Great book shop as well, I couldn't help scanning the walls as there is so muchto read!

We were advised by another shop to visit the bookshop and coffee bar and were glad we did. Great coffee, hot chocolate and cakes, all served at our table too. It was lovely not having to negotiate tables carrying a tray of hot drinks, shopping, bags and purses. There was plenty of choice for things to eat and the service was speedy too. Whilst the business can't opt out of having certain customers we were happy to be quick, eat and drink up and go due to the utter bore on the next table holding forth about his thoughts on everything under the sun. The other 5 on his table didn't get a chance to pipe up. Why are some folk so loud and domineering! Shame but coffee bar great.

Stopped here for coffee and cheese scone, very busy, lovely in the back of the book shop. Home made cakes, local sourced food. Good prices. Cock up with our coffees but quickly resolved no problem. Will come back again for lunch soon.

Came in for a coffee. Ended up being tempted by the sausage and bacon barm. Excellent food and service

We called I to the White Rose Books and Coffee Bar a spot of lunch on Saturday afternoon. What lovely food, two of our party have the ploughman's lunch, I had pork and apple sauce and my wife had tuna melt panini. Very nice indeed, tasty well presented good in pleasant surroundings and the service was good. Good quality interesting selection of food that wasn't to expensive, well worth a visit. We shall certainly call again when we come back to Thirsk.

Stopped for a coffee. Won our attention over other coffee and tea shops obviously because of the book combination. Sat in comfy chairs enjoying a coffee and a scone, lots of nipping off to look at the books. What's not to like ?

We stumbled upon White Rose Books after eschewing the queues of more mundane cafes, which held little promise for our 4 year olds. What a haven for stressed parents , a convenient toilet to change & freshen up, a lovely, quiet room to scribble , read & chalk away some whimsies & back to the cafe for coffee, tea, cake-- the range of home baked cakes was almost too much. Karly makes delicious biscuits, huge ,tasty cakes to share & exquisite cup cakes to demolish. I loved my spicy butternut soup, my friend had a Panini, Rachel delivers on flavour & colour at a reasonable price, check out the 2's company options. We scoffed while our kids played with dinosaurs, looked at books ,the staff are welcoming & efficient, Mondays are busy. Can't wait to try out your garden! Dogs too??? What a friendly, local cafe with so much to offer!!!!!

Lovely bookshop and tea rooms. Only down side was the carrot cake which wasn't great. Its my favorite and I was slightly disappointed. I'd definitely go back the coffee was great and try a different cake. Its a great place to linger with friends surrounded by books what could be better

Called at Thirsk for a walk round the market and lunch. Noticed the book shop cafe and decided go give it a try. There was a short delay before our order was taken, but was worth waiting for. I had a bowl is delicious soup which came with an equally good bread roll. It was butternut squash, orange and ginger soup, warming and tasty. Waitress offered tap water to drink as I had decided not to purchase a drink. Husband had drinking chocolate and a lovely cheese scone. Prices were reasonable. I enjoyed browsing the books, quite a good selection of Children's books and local interest.It reminded us of a favourite holiday place in Scotland were there are several book shop cafes.

We came to Thirsk on a family trip to visit the James Herriot museum and to see where The Yorkshire Vet is made (daughter a big fan). We spotted the White Rose Books and Coffee Bar across the square as a potential spot for lunch. The bookshop is beautiful and especially well-stocked with childrens' and local interest books (including signed editions). Lunch of paninis / toasted sandwiches arrived quickly and was delicious, and the stafff were friendly and helpful too!

What a lovely independent bookshop with a great coffee shop in the back. There is a garden area which would be really nice in the summer. Sits well in the market place. Every town should have a place like this.

Excellent range of books and gifts plus a lovely family-friendly cafe with pleasant staff, great local food and interesting events; garden is nice too

Popped into the white Rose on 4 February 2017, for a hot drink. There was a white hot chocolate that I decided to try - this is a must try. This was very very nice. Will definitely go again. Thank you

We stopped off at Thirsk en-route for the east Coast. We asked a complete stranger about which were the best coffee shops and she suggested the book cafe.I liked that the cafe was in a dual purpose space - it was pleasant browsing some of the books whilst waiting for the food we had ordered. The staff were very pleasant and friendly.It took a good 10 minutes for someone to take our order and over another 12 minutes for the order to arrive - two coffees and two toasts. And it was expensive at £8.70. It was fun to try this cafe but I'm not tempted to go back again.

Lovely independent bookshop in the middle of Thirsk market Square. Plenty of books for all ages and please make sure you go upstairs as well for more.Nice little cafe at the back of the shop serving light lunches and hot,cold drinks. Good facilities especially for visitors like us or locals alike.Happily return.

Called in here for a Coffee, cake and browse whilst on a short coach stop.Primarily a book shop with a small cafe.It was cosy and the staff were very friendly.The coffee and cakes were excellent quality and were well received on a cold day !