A guide to Beverley, East Yorkshire, England
Home > A guide to Beverley, East Yorkshire, England
With its mix of cobbled lanes and elegant Georgian and Victorian terraces, Beverley is a fabulous example of a traditional market town. The town is probably best known for its Minster (which is used quite frequently as a TV setting), the Westwood (a fabulous expanse of land to the west of the town, North Bar (a 15th-century gate) and the Racecourse. You may not know that it inspired the naming of Beverly Hills in California. Well now you do!
Here are some interesting facts about Beverley:
- Originally known as Inderawuda, the town was founded around 700 AD by Saint John of Beverley.
- Beverley is home to the oldest state school in England, in the form of Beverley Grammar School.
- Mike Score, the lead singer of A Flock of Seagulls, was born here.
- Lewis Carroll got his inspiration for the March Hare from Alice in Wonderland from a carving of a rabbit inside St Mary's church.
Beverley Town Centre
Renowed for its historical buildings, cobbled streets and refreshingly unspoilt character, Beverley is one of Yorkshire's best kept secrets. Beverley town centre starts in the Georgian Quarter inside the 15th Century North Bar, passes through the vibrant Saturday Market, along the pedestrianised shopping streets and into Wednesday Market before finishing at the historic Beverley Minster.
Along the way you'll find pavement cafes, ale houses steeped in history, small independent shops, antiques and high street brands. The markets date back to the middle ages and have a mix of traditional and modern wares. During the year, Beverley town centre hosts many festivals which add to the atmosphere of this thriving market town.
Whilst exploring the streets of Beverley, you'll probably notice paintings that are on display on exterior walls around the town. These paintings are part of the 'Painting the Town Fred and Mary' exhibition which features paintings from local artists Fred and Mary Elwell. There are 22 paintings in total, forming a trail around the town which is popular with visitors to Beverley.
The trail includes sites at Beverley Minster, the Treasure House and Saturday Market and an interactive map of the trail can be found below. The works of art are high quality replicas of 22 paintings by Beverlonians Fred and Mary Elwell and provide a wider audience for their work. The paintings can now be seen in the settings that provided the inspiration for them and can be viewed by everyone.
Beverley Markets
Beverley is famous for its traditional markets which take place on both a Saturday and a Wednesday, every week; in fact, a thriving market has existed in Beverley for centuries as it sold the produce from the local farmers. The two main squares at either end of the pedestrianised shopping streets of Butcher Row and Toll Gavel are named Saturday market and Wednesday market respectively, depicting the day on which the market runs.
Beverley’s Saturday market dates back to its charter in the Middle Ages and has a vibrant and friendly atmosphere which has encouraged a mix of traditional and modern stalls, selling food to household goods and everything in between. Saturday market occupies a large area in the town centre and has around 140 stalls. The square of Saturday market, on which the market resides, is surrounded by traditional stores, national chains, public houses and cafes, giving it a busy, bustling feel all week long. The properties around Saturday Market have a huge variety of roof top styles including Victorian and Georgian as well as several more modern styles. The Saturday market opens for business at 8:00am and runs through to 4:00pm.
The smaller of the two markets is Wednesday market which (confusingly) is also open on a Saturday. It is within easy walking distance of Saturday market and lies at the the heart of the Town Centre. As with Saturday market, Wednesday market also has its fair share of coffee shops and bars so you can relax here too.
Both markets are within easy reach of the bus and train stations and there is parking nearby too, so if you fancy the chance to buy fresh local produce, garden ornaments, flowers, handbags, clothes, speciality food and drink or any of the other myriad of things that are available here then why not pay the Beverley markets a visit?
Beverley Minster
The gothic cathedral of Beverley Minster is one of the largest parish churches in the UK and one of the most important places to visit in Beverley. A monastery was founded on this site in 700 AD by Saint John of Beverley (whose bones still lie beneath a plaque in the nave of the minster.) The structure was rebuilt a number of times and the current minster building dates back to around 1400 AD.
Beverley Minster is a Grade I listed building and the interior of the church includes columns of Purbeck Marble, stiff-leaf carving and the tomb of Lady Eleanor Percy, which dates back to around 1340. The tomb is covered with a canopy which is regarded as one the best surviving examples of Gothic art. Another point of interest in the minster is a large, chestnut-colored organ with gold pipes.
Regular Sunday services are held at the Minster and the Beverley Minster choir sing at the major services on Sundays and on Thursday night at Choral Evensong. Many of the church buildings are available for hire and the Minster is also a popular wedding destination.
The Minster welcomes thousands of visitors a year and is usually open every day however it is worth checking the church website before you visit. Members of the church staff are usually available to answer questions or to address special needs. Leaflets are available in several languages just inside the main door which provide a self guided tour of the building. Visitors can also download an app from the church's website which gives you a self guided tour of the Minster, identifying the important points of interest.
Beverley Westwood
Enjoy the outdoor space of Beverley Westwood, just a short walk from the town centre. Here you'll find a large expanse of pastureland - popular with locals and visitors alike - where you can walk, picnic, fly kites, play football, ride horses and partake in all manner of other leisure activities. In the summer months cows and sheep roam freely on the pastures and golfers from Beverley Golf Club play their game here too. If you're lucky you may also see model aircraft being flown by the Beverley And District Model Aircraft Club who fly from the Westwood.
The views from Beverley Westwood are spectacular, taking in the town of Beverley, Beverley Racecourse, Beverley Minster and the local countryside. The Black Mill is a popular focal point on the Westwood. It is an old windmill tower dating back to the 1650's and is a popular meeting point for the local cows.
There is an infinite number of walking possibilities through the rolling pastures of the Westwood. There are woodlands to explore on either side of the Westwood, namely Bluebell Wood (which is nearest to Beverley Racecourse) and Burton Bushes (towards the town on York Road). Bluebell wood comes alive with bluebells (hence the name) in Spring and Burton Bushes has lots of rope swings for the younger and older 'kids' to play on.
You can walk to Beverley Westwood quite easily from the town centre. If you're in Saturday Market then face towards the bar. Take any of the streets to the left and you'll eventually come onto the Westwood. Visitors with cars can park on the Westwood free up to a maximum of 4 hours.
If you love riding, you'll love the views of Beverley Westwood that you get while on horseback. Here you'll find hundreds of acres of rolling commonland dotted with dells and ancient woodland for you to explore. Bleach Yard Stables is situated close by to Beverley Westwood and has been established since 1967. The stables have a good selection of sensible horse and ponies suitable for riders of all capabilities.
If you love riding, you'll love the views of Beverley Westwood that you get while on horseback. Here you'll find hundreds of acres of rolling commonland dotted with dells and ancient woodland for you to explore.
Bleach Yard Stables is situated close by to Beverley Westwood and has been established since 1967. The stables have a good selection of sensible horse and ponies suitable for riders of all capabilities. The facilities at this ABRS-registered stables are high quality, with a range of quiet and more forward-going mounts to suit novices to intermediate riders.
Beverley Racecourse
The 300 year old racecourse at Beverley is set in the fabulous surroundings of Beverley Westwood. Beverley racecourse hosts right-handed flat racing over one mile and three furlongs. Over the last fifty years, the racecoure has been extended and modernised and has two main enclosures: the Members Enclosure and the Tattersalls Enclosure.
If you go into the members enclosure you'll have access to the Lawn Bar and the Member's Restaurant (which offers views over the race track). The Tattersalls Enclosure provides access to the main Grandstand, Parade Ring, Winners Enclosure, the Rapid Lad Bar, the self service Restaurant and the Paddock Bar (which overlooks the parade ring and race track). There are also a number of fast food outlets around the course.
There are many events at Beverley Racecourse during the season (which runs from April until September), the most fashionable being Ladies Day which is one of Beverley's most popular social events of the year. Other superb days out include the Donkey Derby, 70's race night, the Camel Derby and the White Rabbit in Easterland.
Nothing beats a day at the races. Enjoy the hospitality and atmosphere, collect your winnings and celebrate in style at Beverley Racecourse. Set in the stunning surroundings of Beverley Westwood, Beverley Racecourse hosts horse racing between April and September every year, and has been doing so for over 300 years.
There are 19 race meetings in total per year, 11 of which feature extra entertainment and fun, from the family-themed May Day with a petting zoo and funfair rides to the glamour of Ladies' Day. For the racing fan, the Very British Raceday in June sees some of the country's best two-year-old horses battle it out in their preparations for Royal Ascot in a fast and furious contest up our infamous uphill 5 furlong sprint (a furlong being about 660 feet for the as-yet uninititated.)
If you haven’t been racing before, there is nothing like the thrill of seeing your horse pass the winning post – particularly if you have had a bit of a flutter with the bookies. First class racing views and dining is available on site, just book in advance to ensure a prime position.
There's always a warm welcome at Beverley, and whether you prefer to bring the family with a picnic and a rug or your friends for an afternoon of fun and catching up, you'll find lots of like-minded people enjoying the day and the excitement of watching your horse thundering home.
Tickets in advance are much the cheapest way to visit and can be bought from www.beverley-racecourse.co.uk, along with lots more information about all racedays.
Beckside
Beckside is the area around Beverley Beck. The beck is a short canal of 0.8 miles which runs from a lock in the River Hull into Beverley. There is a cycle path which runs along both sides of the beck so walkers and cyclists can explore its banks. When reaching the lock gates, you can easily cross back to the opposite side making this a scenic circular walk.
The beck is home to number of leisure boats and the historical barge "Syntan" which offers cruises along the beck and the River Hull.
What could be more fun than messing about on the water? In Beverley, there are a number of ways to spend the day on Beverley Beck or out on the River Hull. One of the easiest ways to do this is by contacting the Beverley Barge Preservation Society who run chartered boat trips down the Beck and then onto the river Hull, towards either Driffield or Hull.
The Mermaid (an ex-lifeboat) carries up to 8 passengers at a time and will take you from its berth at Cranehill Wharf down Beverley Beck to the lock and back again. On request the Mermaid can also take you further afield onto the River Hull. Another boat, the Sun, is designed as a trip boat carrying a maximum of 12 passengers. She takes trips up the River Hull close to Driffield Navigation.
If you're a history lover, then the Syntan barge (moored on Beverley's Beckside) acts as a museum and heritage centre. School parties are very welcome and the floating museum concept gives schoolchildren of all ages the chance to see what life was once like on the Beck, and on the barges that plied their trade between Hull Docks and Beverley. The Syntan is also available as a party venue where everything needed to make the party go with a swing is provided!
A little further afield at Tickton, Beverley Boat Hire have around 6 boats available for hire on the river Hull, either for rowing or equipped with an outboard motor.
So if you fancy rowing or cruising on one of the quietest navigable stretches of water in East Yorkshire, why not take a boat trip from Beverley?
Beverley Festivals
During the course of the year, Beverley plays host to a variety of different cultural festivals which showcase the arts from around the region and beyond. The festivals start off in May with the Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival. Here you'll find orchestral concerts in Beverley Minster alongside smaller instrumental and vocal ensembles presented in churches around the region.
Shortly afterwards in June, comes Beverley Folk, Acoustic and Roots Festival which takes place on Beverley Racecourse and around the town. The Folk Festival is billed as a local festival with global appeal. Visitors to the folk festival enjoy 3 nights and 2 days of music, dance, comedy and the spoken word with top national and international artists. The festival also has a craft and food fair, real ale bars and camping is on site. All ages are welcome.
In September, the Beverley Chamber Music Festival brings the finest chamber musicians to the town with internationally renowned soloists, string quartets & chamber ensembles. In October, Beverley Food Festival brings food, festivities and fun with a variety of over 50 stalls selling local produce. At the food festival, you'll find street entertainment, a charity BBQ, a cookery theatre marquee and competitions. The food festival is based in Saturday market.
Beverley Literature Festival also takes place in October and gives visitors the opportunity to talk to great writers about their work, enjoy performances or take part in innovative writing workshops and reading groups. The festival year at Beverley finishes with Beverley Festival of Christmas. Here you'll find a Victorian Christmas Market with over 80 stalls, Santa on his sleigh and live reindeer. There is a full programme of street entertainment, a Victorian fair with children’s rides and a Chistmas Tree festival at Beverley Minster.
In addition to the larger festivals, there are also smaller gatherings in the town like the real ale festivals and various other smaller cultural events. With so much going on throughout the year, Beverley is one of the top festival towns in the UK.
Flemingate
Within walking distance from the centre of Beverley is Flemingate, one of East Yorkshire's largest shopping destinations. Flemingate adds big name stores to the already impressive range of smaller independent stores that sit on Beverley's main pedestrianised shopping streets. Stores situated on Flemingate include Debenhams, River Island, H&M;, Outift and Wilko. There are many places to eat here too including Patisserie Valerie, the Gourmet Burger Company, Riva Lounge, Starbucks amd Costa Coffee.
Flemingate also has its own cinema (the Parkway Cinema) and 500-space multi-storey car park. For those wanting to extend their stay, Beverley's Premier Inn is just around the corner.
Parkway Cinema
Parkway Cinema is a 6-screen multiplex and live theatre venue, situated in the popular Flemingate Shopping Centre in Beverley. The cinema presents the best of the current screen releases and also offers a wide range of ‘event cinema’, bringing the best in live operas, ballet and theatre from around the world to the big screen.
The Parkway Cinema in Beverley also offers live theatre in screen 6, which is also known as the Hayward Theatre. A fully equipped theatre stage brings out the best in live entertainment including comedy, music and drama.
Special events take place during the week including Parent and Baby screenings, autism friendly films and Indie Sunday which showcases anything from World Cinema to documentaries, art house to the unusual. Every Saturday and Sunday morning there is a little penguin club for children at a reduced rate and every Thursday morning, senior citizens can come along for a cup of tea and a biscuit, and a film.
On the first floor of the Parkway Cinema, there is a licensed café bar which offers great coffee and drinks. The cinema also runs birthday parties, has conferencing facilities and is available for private hire.
St Mary's Church
Just inside the medieval town gate of North Bar Within,on the corner of Hengate, stands St Mary's Church, one of the great parish churches of England. The church was built between 1120 and 1530 and the west front of the church is said to have influenced the architecture of the chapel of Kings College, Cambridge.
St Mary's is well known for its ornate carved pillars and one of these, the Minstrel Pillar, shows 5 carved and painted figures of musicians. A famous carving of a rabbit is found at the entrance to St Michael's Chapel in the church, which is thought to be the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland.
Other items of interest in St Mary's Church include the unique ceiling of Kings (painted in 1446 and representing the Kings of England before that time) and the highly decorated ceiling of stars and constellations. The entrance to the priests room is guarded by a carving of an Imp and is accessed through a small door and spiral staircase.
St Mary's hosts regular family services and has an array of events on during the course of the year, including concerts, the early music festival and weddings.
Georgian Quarter
No visit to Beverley would be complete without taking in the town's Georgian Quarter where the mix of independent shops and businesses makes it a must for locals, regular visitors and tourists alike. Beverley's North Bar Within and North Bar Without form one of the East Riding of Yorkshire's most famous landmarks and are situated in the centre of the Georgian Quarter which starts just outside the bar and finishes just past the historic St Mary's church.
The fascinating streets of the Georgian Quarter contain the largest number of listed buildings in one street in the region. Also this part of Beverley is home to St Mary's Church a stunning building that stands proudly over the streets and is must see for any visitor to Beverley.
Historically, the area has been a thriving retail, leisure and business centre as well as a popular tourist destination. Its premier location, street scene and grandeur have meant that specialist retailers, boutique shops, quality restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs have all become well established in Beverley's Georgian Quarter.
To find the Georgian Quarter, start at the main Saturday Market square and head away from the busy pedestrianised street that is Toll Gavel. After a few minutes walk, you'll see St Mary's church on the right and you'll find yourself in the Georgian Quarter. There are a host of places to eat and drink here including the Michelin star rated Whites Restaurant and Lucias Wine Bar.
If you fancy a pint then the Royal Standard Inn is a good choice with a super selection of real ales and light bites. Across the road from the Royal Standard is St Mary's Arcade which is a little hidden away and has a few independent shops that are definitely worth checking out. After all that eating, drinking and shopping, weary travellers may want to take a rest at the Coronation Gardens which is situated on the left, just before you reach the historic Beverley Bar, and is a relaxing area, and a great place to sit down and rest for a while.
So instead of staying in the town centre, why not take a short walk out to the Georgian Quarter and explore a hidden part of Beverley that is refreshingly old fashioned.
East Riding Theatre
East Riding Theatre has become one of the main centres for performance art in East Yorkshire. The theatre is set within an old baptist church and opened its doors in 2014. Many critically acclaimed productions have been shown here including original works such as 'A steady rain' and 'Sparrow', Shakespeare and Dickens adaptations and many musical and comedy acts.
Theatre in Beverley can be traced back to the plays that were performed by craft guild members in the Middle Ages. Performances took place across Beverley, including Cross Bridge only a stone's throw from where East Riding Theatre is now.
Beverley's East Riding Theatre has a cafe bar which is open before and after shows. Free car-parking is available for patrons from 6pm Monday to Saturday and all day Sunday.
Beverley Pubs and Restaurants
In recent years, Beverley has gained an enviable reputation as being one of the best places in Yorkshire for good food. People from far and wide visit Beverley, eager to eat in one of the fabulous restaurants that the town is famous for. From smaller establishments using local produce and creating speciality ethnic food, to national high street eateries and smaller fine-dining independents, Beverley has it all.
Alongside Beverley's restaurants, there is also a strong and vibrant cafe culture, with an eclectic range of coffee houses and tea shops throughout the town. Whether its a traditional home made cream tea or a hearty locally sourced ploughman's lunch, there is something to suit all palates and purses. Whilst the majority of cafes in Beverley are independent, each with their own style and offering, high street brands are also available.
Beverley also has a plethora of pubs, many of which are historic inns and drinking establishments that have played a part in the history of Beverley and its success as a thriving market town. Where else can you enjoy a pint of proper ale in an historic, gas lit tavern and within two minutes be in a bar serving cocktails? Beverley has always had a higher than average number of pubs, with many now diversifying into food to ensure their ongoing success. Whether it be stone baked pizzas and topped burgers, or home made pies with proper chips, there really is something for all the family, with pubs not only in the town centre, but also serving the community in residential parts of the town.
As the dining room of East Yorkshire, why not take the opportunity to have a bite or drink in one of the cafes, restaurants or pubs in Beverley. You could also take in the rest of what Beverley has to offer and relax in one of the town's many celebrated establishments. For those of us lucky enought to live here, we know how fortunate we are to have such choice on our doorsteps.
The White Horse Inn (Nellies)
The White Horse Inn (Nellies) is one of the oldest pubs in Beverley, dating back to 1666. Its nickname comes from Nellie Collinson, the landlady who resided here until 1976 when the pub was sold to Samuel Smiths Brewery. Walking into Nellies is like stepping back in time. There are labyrinths of stone corridors, lit up by gas lights, leading to a central bar which is well stocked with a variety of Sam Smiths ales.
There are lots of rooms (or snugs) dotted around the ground floor, some which have their own fireplaces and chandeliers. In these small individual rooms you can find lots of curios and paintings from Beverley's past. Upstairs is a large function room with comfortable chairs and a roaring log fire to while away the hours in front of.
The Green Dragon
Previously known as the Malt House, the Green Dragon is a historical Tudor fronted inn and faces onto Beverley's popular Saturday market. This pub has a good range of real ales and hosts beer festivals in the Spring and at Halloween. The Green Dragon also offers a good range of pub grub and has a great courtyard beer garden at the side of the pub. The Green Dragon has a very traditional interior, with a long bar and lots of space for seating. Sports TVs are present at the front of this Beverley pub. The inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young Danish soldier who died in 1689.
The Kings Head
One of the most prominent establishments in Beverley, The Kings Head is a popular pub, restaurant and hotel situated in the centre of Beverley on the busy Saturday Market. The bar serves an array of classic cocktails, boutique spirits, world beers and guest ales and the restaurant features wood fired pizzas and locally sourced Josper steaks. There are 10 bedrooms situated above the bar at the Kings Head, which has a DJ on a Friday and Saturday night until 1am. Therefore guests who need a quieter room on these nights are advised to request one as they are subject to availability.
The Sun Inn
Believed to be the oldest pub in Beverley and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Sun Inn sits on the corner of Flemingate, opposite the historic Beverley Minster. The pub dates back to 1530 and is very popular as a live music venue, hosting the Beverley Blues festival and being one of the focal points for the Beverley Folk Festival. The Sun Inn serves a range of real ales and this Beverley pub has a nice homely feel to it. There is a beer garden at the back with views of the Minster and food is also available at the bar.
The Monks Walk
One of the older pubs in Beverley (dating back to 1658), the Monks Walk sits in close proximity to Beverley Minster with entrances to the pub from both Highgate and Eastgate. There is a newly refurbished walled beer garden at the rear of the pub which takes full advantage of the view of Beverley Minster.
A long alley way stretches the length of the public house and there are two main rooms off from it. The first is a long main bar which has a restaurant area at the end of it with a real fire. Another smaller bar sits at the opposite side of the alley way and serves a wider variety of real ales and real ciders.
The Monks Walk has live acts on from time to time and has a function room available for hire too. It is dog friendly and family friendly until 8pm and there are newspapers and free Wifi too.
Chequers Micro Pub
Chequers micropub is a small and friendly pub that opened in 2013 and is situated just off the main Saturday market area of Beverley centre. The pub has a wide selection of real ales and real ciders available and consists of one room plus a small outdoor area in a paved courtyard.
As one of the smaller pubs in Beverley, it makes up for its size with its great collection of drinks and East Yorkshire atmosphere. There is often live acoustic music in the pub, especially during music festivals, and Chequers micropub is also dog friendly.
The Beaver
The Beaver pub sits just off the busy Saturday Market in Beverley town centre. The pub serves food on a lunchtime and is suitable for families until 9pm. One of the livelier pubs in Beverley, the Beaver has large screen TVs which show major sporting events and there is a dancefloor at the back of the pub with a DJ and Karaoke from 10pm at weekends.
The Molescroft Inn
The Molescroft Inn is a traditional pub located just outside the centre of Beverley, in the adjoining village of Molescroft. The inn is a Grade II listed building and dates back to 1754. The Molescroft Inn is popular for food and consists of one large room which contains a large area for diners. Food is served here during the daty and evening. At the back of the pub is a large parking area and beer garden.
The Tiger Inn
The Tiger Inn dates back to the 18th century and is a Grade II listed building. It is in a quiet area of Beverley, only a few minutes away from the busy town centre. Home cooked food is available throughout the week, with a carvery on a Sunday. There is a well stocked bar complete with real ales and ciders. Interestingly, there are four rooms in the Tiger Inn some which serve as function rooms for special events such as beer festivals, open mic nights and such like. There is a car park behind the Tiger Inn and a partially sheltered beer garden which is popular during the local festivals.
The Woolpack
The Woolpack in Beverley is a local pub with a welcoming atmosphere. It is located close to Beverley Westwood and serves real ales and ciders which can be sampled next to the real fire or in the delightful small snug area in the front of the pub. The Woolpack Inn was converted from two cottages in the mid 19th century and retains many of the original features.
There are 7 real ales available and and the food is all home cooked with the meat coming from local butchers. There are board games available to keep the children occupied and the pub is dog friendly too - perfect after a brisk walk on Beverley Westwood.
The Queens Head
Set in Wednesday Market, at the end of the pedestrianised Toll Gavel, the Queens Head is an authentic old town pub with friendly service. The pub welcomes children during the day and there is a good choice of food available. At the front of the Queens Head is an outdoor seating area (which faces onto Wednesday Market) and offers views of Beverley Minster.
The Angel
The Angel is a Beverley town centre pub, located on the pedestrianised Toll Gavel, halfway between Saturday Market and Wednesday Market. The Angel is popular with shoppers and comprises of a large front room (popular for Karaoke on a weekend) and a recently refurbished quieter back room which is used by diners.
There is an enclosed walled garden area behind this Beverley pub, which is pet friendly. Children are welcome until 7pm and real ale is available at the Angel too.
Beverley Restaurants
The Westwood
Set in the grounds of Beverley’s former Grade II listed Georgian courthouse, The Westwood Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Beverley. Perfect for special occasions, the Westwood Restaurant provides the discerning visitor with delicious food in a relaxed, contemporary dining space.
The Westwood Restaurant only uses high quality produce from local suppliers and have been serving quality, modern British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients since 2007. The restaurant also has a space on the first floor for functions.
The restaurant's review in the Michelin guide reads as follows:
The twins who own this smart modern brasserie clearly share the same vision. Appealing menus offer unfussy, recognisable dishes and the meats cooked 'a la plancha' are a hit. It sits in the wing of an impressive Georgian courthouse.
Whites Restaurant and Patisserie
Whites Restaurant and Patisserie is a Michelin rated restaurant in the centre of Beverley. It is a small intimate restaurant located just outside of Beverley's North Bar and was opened in 2008. There are two menus on offer at Whites - the 9 course menu and the 4 course menu. Both of the menus are tasting menus which give you the opportunity to try a range of dishes that you may never have eaten before.
The waiting staff in this Beverley restaurant are helpful and explain each course as it is presented. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. The Michelin Guide says the following about Whites Restaurant and Pattiserie:
A small, keenly run neighbourhood restaurant by the old city walls. Ambitious, creative, modern cooking is delivered in set menus of either 4 course or 9 courses. Smart, contemporary bedrooms and rooftop terrace breakfasts.
Ogino
Owned by local husband and wife team, Julian & Rieko Ogino-Stamford, Ogino Japanese Restaurant's mission is to deliver an authentic, fine-dining modern Japanese culinary experience to the historic market town of Beverley. Ogino uses the best local produce to serve a mix of modern fusion and classic sushi and Japanese dishes. The food in this Beverley restaurant is beautifully presented and you can watch the meals being prepared in the open kitchen.
Lucia Wine Bar
Lucia Wine Bar is tucked away just behind North Bar Within in Beverley town centre and offers a relaxing retreat, day and night. Outside this Beverley restaurant is a toasty Mediterranean heated courtyard and inside is a beautifully styled two storey Italian restaurant. Lucia Wine Bar in Beverley is open all-day everyday from 11am for coffee and cakes and food is served from midday till 10pm. The lounge bar is open from 11am till late.
Tudor Rose Hotel
Facing onto the Wednesday market square, the Tudor Rose Hotel is conveniently positioned a few minutes walk away from Beverley train station. Its easily accessible location puts it within easy reach of all the amenities that Beverley has to offer, with the gothic Beverley Minster situated just around the corner.
The rooms in this Grade II listed building have en suite bathrooms, free WiFi, TVs, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. The Tudor Rose Hotel has a large bar and restaurant that serves light snacks and main meals. Parking is available close by in Wednesday Market or in the nearby station car park.
Listed Buildings in Beverley
In the UK, the term listed building means a building or other structur If you're out and about in Beverley, why not have a look out for the listed buildings in the town. They are scattered around Beverley and include old merchant houses, a market cross, churches and offical buildings.
In the UK, the term listed building means a building or other structure that is of special architectural, historical or cultural significance; Grade I structures are those considered to be "buildings of exceptional interest.
The town of Beverley has seven Grade I listed buildings and structures, which are as follows:
1. Beverley North Bar
Beverley North Bar Beverley Bar (or Beverley North Bar) is a 15th-century gate, located on Lairgate and has buildings either side of it. In the past the bar acted as a toll gate and also a viewing gallery for plays. Traffic is limited to single file through the bar arch and controlled by a set of lights on eiher side.
2 & 3. Norwood House and its gates, gate piers and railings
Norwood House Formerly part of Beverley High School, a restaurant and now the home to Boston Air, Norwood House is an impressive 18th century building which sits across the road from Beverley Music Centre. Historic England regards Norwood House as "a remarkable house of modest dimensions."
Outside of the premise, there are 2 pairs of stone gate piers from 1780 which are rusticated and have square crowning blocks, oval modillions and supporting enriched balls on moulded bases. Ther are also wrought iron railings and two pairs of gates at the edge of the property.
3. The Guildhall
The Guildhall Located on Register Square in the town, Beverley Guildhall is a Grade 1 listed structure with a long and varied history. It is a civic building and was purchased by the Beverley town keepers in 1501. The Guildhall has a stunning Georgian courtroom featuring plaster stuccowork by Giuseppe Cortese. The courtroom also still retains evidence of the building’s roots as a medieval great hall. On the first floor is a Magistrate's room and the Mayor's parlor, both containing historic furniture and paintings.
4. The Hall
The Hall, Beverley Previously home to East Yorkshire County Council, The Hall is a superb landmark building situated on the corner of Lairgate and currently home to individual offices and suites. This merchants house was the house of the Pennyman family between 1700 and 1780 and features a fabulous sweeping staircase as well as an impressive front entrance.
5. The Market Cross
Market Cross Built in 1714, and designed by E Shelton of Wakefield, Beverley's market cross comprises of four pairs of coupled Roman Doric columns in stone standing on an octagonal base of three steps, On the south side of the market cross are four finely carved cartouches displaying the Royal Arms (Hanoverian), and the arms of Beverley, Hotham and Warton in colour. The market cross is situated in the centre of town, close to Beverley's Saturday Market.
6. Beverley Minster
Beverley Minster Beverley Minster's beautiful west front was said to be the model for the front of Westminster Abbey and in the style of its architecture, it resembles York Minster. The history of the minster dates back to between 1220 and 1420, predating the town of Beverley itself. The interior of the church includes columns of Purbeck Marble, stiff-leaf carving and the tomb of Lady Eleanor Percy, which dates back to around 1340. The tomb is covered with a canopy which is regarded as one the best surviving examples of Gothic art. Another point of interest in the minster is a large, chestnut-colored organ with gold pipes.
7. St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church, Beverley Just inside the medieval town gate of North Bar Within, on the corner of Hengate, stands St Mary's Church, one of the great parish churches of England. The church was built between 1120 and 1530 and the west front of the church is said to have influenced the architecture of the chapel of Kings College, Cambridge.
St Mary's is well known for its ornate carved pillars and one of these, the Minstrel Pillar, shows 5 carved and painted figures of musicians. A famous carving of a rabbit is found at the entrance to St Michael's Chapel in the church, which is thought to be the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland.
There are a further two Grade II listed buildings in Beverley: Beverley train station and Beverley Friary (which is now home to Beverley Youth Hostel.)
Other Notable Beverley Places
The Guildhall
Located on Register Square in Beverley, the Guildhall is a Grade 1 listed structure with a long and varied history. It is a civic building and was purchased by the Beverley town keepers in 1501. The Guildhall has a stunning Georgian courtroom featuring plaster stuccowork by Giuseppe Cortese. The courtroom also still retains evidence of the building’s roots as a medieval great hall. On the first floor is a Magistrate's room and the Mayor's parlor, both containing historic furniture and paintings.
Today the Guildhall is run as a historic building and community museum but is still used for ceremonial civic occasions. The community museum shows temporary exhibitions on Beverley's local history and displays items from the Guildhall’s museum collection. There is also a computer archive of historic photographs of Beverley.
St Crispins Antique Centre
One of the most interesting shops on Beverley's busy pedestrian street is St Crispins Antique Centre. Housed in a fine Grade II listed building and boasting one of the largest collections of antiques in the north of England, St Crispins has 2 large floors of rooms and cabinets which have a wide range of antiques and collectables to purchase. Over a hundred dealers sell their wares through this antiques centre and there really are some interesting finds in its labyrinths of rooms and connecting corridors.
Knick knacks and collectables are on display and for sale both upstairs and downstairs on the premises. Antiques available include anything from medal collections, Clarice Cliff plates, an old rocking horse and furniture . A hidden treasure around every corner and definitely worth a visit.
At the back of St Crispins Antique Centre is Straddles Coffee Shop which offers a chance to put your feet up and relax with a nice cup of your favourite beverage. Straddles also has a pretty tea garden behind it.
Beverley Grammar School
Beverley Grammar School is the country's oldest state school. It was founded in 700 AD and is also has the accolade of being the eighth oldest school overall in the country. The school is a boys only secondary academy and has around 850 boys on its roll.
The school is located between Queensgate and Sloe Lane in Beverley, close to Beverley Westwood (which can be seen from its rear classrooms). The main building and reception of Beverley Grammar School are situated at the top of the school's drive, adjacent to the playing fields.
Beverley High School
Beverley High School is an all girls' comprehensive school founded in 1908. The school is located in Norwood, Beverley, and has close links with the all-boys Beverley Grammar School, with which it has a joint sixth form.
Beverley Memorial Hall
The Beverley Memorial Hall is used as a community and arts centre for the people of Beverley. Originally opened in 1959, the hall hosts a busy program of community events during the week. The hall is put to a variety of uses during the year, including beer festivals, pantomines and shows. The hall has a stage, can cater for both small and large groups of people and has a well stocked bar.
Beverley Art Gallery
Beverley Art Gallery opened in 1910 and is part of the Treasure House building on Champney Road in the centre of Beverley. Since 1910, the Beverley Art Gallery has been collecting portraits of the 'great and the good' of the East Riding. As well as the permanent East Riding exhibits, there are many temporary exhibitions that take place during the year - many with a regional and heritage perspective.
Childrens’ activities are available at the gallery and a coffee lounge is situated next to the exhibition hall for refreshments. Groups visits are welcome and a room is available to book on request.
Newbegin House
Newbegin House is a Georgian mansion with 3 guest rooms and large peaceful gardens situated in a quiet one way street only 105 yards from the town centre of Beverley. Guests at Newbegin House enjoy a warm welcome, well appointed rooms, pocket sprung super king sized beds, luxurious en suite facilities and an excellent breakfast made with local produce.
Beverley and East Riding Golf Club
Beverley and East Riding Golf Club is based on the glorious Beverley Westwood pasture land, famous for its landmark Black Mill and Anti-Mill, which the traditional-style Clubhouse is built around. The golf club was formed in 1889 and is the oldest inland club in Yorkshire. The 18-hole course is one of Yorkshire's finest and most natural layouts, enjoying outstanding views of the town and surrounding countryside from many vantage points.
Visitors are welcome at all times as the course is playable and in fine condition throughout the year. The clubhouse is open to all members of the public so if golf isn't for you, why not stop by to sample some of the restaurant's delightful home cooked meals.
One of the best places to live in the UK
In 2018, Beverley was named one of the best places to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times' annual "Best places to live" guide. This was the first time that Beverley has featured in the guide, which is compiled on the basis of statistics relating to jobs, schools, broadband speed and community spirit.
The East Yorkshire market town is within easy commuting distance of Hull and lies on the edge of the beautiful Wolds countryside. It's home to Beverley Minster and has a stunning Georgian quarter which also contains St Mary's church, where Lewis Carroll got the inspiration for the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
Beverley has a great choice of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. It hosts the Tour de Yorkshire cycle ride and is home to Beverley Racecourse and Beverley Westwood (common land to the west of the town which is popular with horse riders and dog walkers.)
There are three good/outstanding secondary schools in Beverley and a number of good/outstanding primary schools in and around the town. In fact, Beverley is home to Beverley Grammar school; the oldest state school in the country.
Some quotes from the Sunday Times best places to live in the UK guide:
The selection of shops on the cobbled streets off the market square is improving, and there are some decent restaurants.
The most venerable local institution is the White Horse Inn, known to all as Nellies, with an interior that’s a monument to its 17th-century origins.
This remarkably fine Yorkshire hotspot has suffered because of its location. It is a little out of the way, and 15 minutes by train from Hull — too close for the snooty until last year’s joyous stint as UK City of Culture.
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