Tim's Coffee Adventures: Harrogate

I have very happy childhood memories of day trips to Harrogate. Our outings were spent mostly in the Valley Gardens. I was less interested in the walk, more interested in the crazy golf, and very interested in the ice cream afterwards.

Thirty years later, my family still comes here. My brothers now bring their own kids, who will no doubt bring theirs in the future.

This was a really special trip. My eldest brother is a theatre producer and his latest production, Glitch — the story of the Post Office scandal — was playing at Harrogate Theatre as part of its UK tour. So we booked all the boxes in the theatre to accommodate three generations of Linleys.

By some strange coincidence, it also coincided with AireCon, the annual board gaming convention. Board game nerds descend en masse with their suitcases full of games.

I went along with my younger brother and absolutely loved it. The enthusiasm of people fully immersed in their passion always energises me, even if it’s not a passion I share. Tables and tables of people playing games, completely engrossed. The opportunity to play new games that haven’t even been released yet. I found the cash trading of games in every corner particularly entertaining. I was completely sucked in and will definitely come back next year.

Whilst here, I took the chance to drop in on some of my favourite independents too. Huge shout out to Gemma, who has moved her business, The Cheeseboard, to larger premises on Commercial Street. We did our WSET Level 2 together and she’s recently acquired her alcohol licence. Wine and cheese in combination — I can’t wait.

Speaking of wine, I took full advantage of choosing the train by indulging in a big, bold red at lunchtime at Ake & Humphris. Their interior is fire!

Coffee-wise, Bean & Bud is a staple Harrogate venue for coffee snobs like myself. Coffees are made with love by skilled baristas, with multiple beans on offer. It never disappoints.

I found a new one too. No.35 Harrogate is definitely one to add to your list if you haven’t tried it yet. I tried a eucalyptus-infused geisha. That sentence probably tells you everything you need to know.

Before the show, I took the family to bakery Baltzersen’s, who supply all our delicious pastries and breads. I think we cleared them out.

Finally, on to the show. Inspiring and horrifying in equal measure. Knowing full well how hard it is to run a small business at the best of times I found it particularly disconcerting. A wonderful production. Proud of my big bro:)  Glitch is running various Uk dates until the 17th April.