The Best Local Butchers, Bakers and Easter Egg Makers
Easter is just around the corner and we've rounded up the best local butchers, bakers and chocolate egg makers to make your celebrations egg-stra special
Farmison & Co
The meat at Ripon-based Farmison & Co is bred to yield a greater flavour and the team only source the finest pork, beef and lamb. For Easter, why not order one of their popular meat boxes filled with everything from grass-fed steak and dry-aged pork to whole free-range chicken, Cumberland sausage swirls and delicious back bacon? Visit their website to browse the full range, or sign up for a subscription and get great meat delivered direct to your door.
01765 824050
farmison.com
Lishman’s of Ilkley
Since the 1980s Lishman’s has built a local, regional and national reputation as a great butchers offering delicious cuts of local meat and charcuterie. Visit their website or pop into the shop to pick up everything from beef sirloin and legs of lamb, to poultry, ham and game. You’ll also find cooked meats and freshly baked pork pies at this award-winning butchery.
25 Leeds Road, Ilkley LS29 8DP
01943 609436
lishmansbutchers.co.uk
R&J Yorkshire’s Finest Farmers & Butchers
The family behind this renowned online butchery have been farming in Yorkshire since the 1850s and as well as supplying some of the top restaurants and hotels across the country, the team practice farming based on a low and slow process, meaning animals are grass-fed and free-range. Visit their website to shop pork, poultry, beef, lamb, venison and game which have been cut using traditional and contemporary hanging and curing techniques.
Wateredge, Longswales Lane, Kirkby Malzeard, Ripon HG4 3RJ
01765 658611
randjyorkshiresfinest.co.uk
Andrew’s Yorkshire Butcher
This award-winning butcher and meat supplier in South Yorkshire specialises in a wide range of locally produced carcass butchered beef, lamb, pork, venison and game. In addition to their fresh and fine cuts, you’ll find cooked meats, pork pies, home-cured hams and bacon. Not sure what to choose? Visit the team in store for expert advice.
70 Effingham Street, Rotherham S65 1AL
01709 828395
andrewsbutchery.co.uk
Swaledale Butchers
Expect to find heritage and native breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs, slow-grown on small and sustainable farms in the Yorkshire Dales and expertly butchered by the team at Swaledale Butchers. Specialising in whole-carcass nose-to-tail butchery meaning the meat is always fresh, this online butchers is the place to shop for tasty Easter meats.
swaledale.co.uk
J.B Wilkinson & Sons
Starting in the early 1930s in Guiseley’s Indoor Market, J.B Wilkinson & Sons has now grown into a thriving business with six shops across Yorkshire. Sourcing high-quality meat from local farms within the Wharfedale area, the skilled team are available to offer expert advice on their fine cuts of meat this Easter. Shop online of visit one of the six shops to pick up a range of beef, lamb, pork or poultry, and don’t miss their award-winning pork pies and sausages made daily at the Rawdon shop.
Knaresborough, Wetherby, Bramhope, Rawdon, Ilkley and Otley
jbwilkinson.co.uk
Bakeri Baltzersen
Just outside Harrogate, this Scandinavian bakery specialises in a range of long-fermented sourdough loaves, rye, ciabatta and more traditional yeasted white and granary-style breads. We also love their croissants which they bake from scratch, and their traybakes are a winner for those with a sweet tooth. Visit the bakery or café Baltzersen’s in the heart of Harrogate, or shop online and get fresh bread and pastries delivered to your door.
2 Garrick Buildings, Harrogate HG1 1QE
bakeribaltzersen.co.uk
Bondgate Bakery
Since 1984 this Yorkshire bakery has been baking tasty breads using recipes which have been passed down through family generations. Carefully sourcing all their ingredients and baking the old-fashioned way (with no additives or mixes), Bondgate Bakery will have all your Easter treats covered. Visit the bakery in Otley to shop everything from wholemeal sourdoughs to muesli breads and focaccia, as well as decadent cakes and traybakes – plus, their hot cross buns are a must!
30 Bondgate, Otley LS21 1AD
01943 467516
bondgatebakery.com
The Angel’s Share
After Alex Franks struggled to source good quality bread from her local area she decided to make her own, originally setting up shop in Darlington before moving into Richmond’s iconic Station where her bakery now occupies two units. Not only can you watch Alex and her team make fresh breads and sweet treats through the glass window, you can also shop the range of pastries and cakes, alongside pantry essentials such as crackers, cheese and chutneys in the shop.
Richmond Station, Station Yard, Richmond DL10 4LD
01748 828261
theangelssharebakery.com
Hartley’s Bakers
Baking fresh bread since 1964, Hartley’s Bakers is known for using just four fresh ingredients (flour, water, yeast and salt) to make your daily bread. As a family-run business which has been open for more than 50 years, Hartley’s Bakers has two outposts which offer a wide selection of sweet treats, fresh breads and sandwiches – their Easter treats, including hot cross buns and bunny biscuits, are a must!
109 Lidget Street, Lindley, Huddersfield HD3 3JR
01484 652754
31 Bradford Road, Brighouse HD6 1RW
01484 715256
hartleysbakery.co.uk
Two Dales Bakery
This small team of bakers work hard to produce delicious loaves and pastries using organic flour from Shipton Mill, free-range Wensleydale eggs and high quality British butter. The bread is made fresh on-site following traditional fermentation methods, allowing the bread plenty of time overnight to develop its fabulous flavour. The team then fire up the stone-based bread oven early in the morning so everything is freshly baked. Visit them in Reeth or find their delicious bakes at farm shops and stockists Yorkshirewide.
Unit 1, Reeth Dales Centre, Silver Street, Reeth DL11 6SP
twodalesbakery.co.uk
The Secret Bakery
This small micro-artisan bakery creates fresh handmade bread using traditional methods. Using only water, salt and naturally cultured levain or yeast, the breads take up to 48 hours to make allowing their favour to fully develop. Visit the bakery in Harrogate to pick up everything from rye sourdoughs and spelt breads to sweet breads and focaccias. For something a little different, we recommend the goat’s cheese and black pepper loaf.
19 Knaresborough Road, Harrogate HG2 7SR
01423 206880
secretbakeryharrogate.co.uk
Read More: Meet the Foodie Behind Leeds-Based Wildcraft Bakery
Birdgate Chocolatiers
This chocolate shop in the market town of Pickering is where you’ll find unique handmade chocolates and chocolate gifts. Using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible, including local heather honey, rhubarb and hand-roasted coffee, there’s a wide range of sweet treats to discover. This Easter, the team have created a number of Easter eggs in milk, dark and white chocolate, but you can also shop their chocolate bars and selection boxes in store and online.
14 Birdgate, Pickering YO18 7AL
01751 477755
birdgatechocolatiers.com
Choux Handmade in Yorkshire
This independent chocolatier and chocolate shop in Wakefield specialises in handmade treats for every occasion. After working with renowned Yorkshire chocolatier Andrew Thwaite, owner Helen Bradley honed her skills and developed her own range of indulgent chocolates. Now based in Blacker Hall Farm, Choux offer a section of handmade treats perfect for Easter.
Blacker Hall Farm, Calder Grove, Wakefield WF4 3DN
07886 590143
choxchocolates.co.uk
Mocha Chocolate Shop
Richmond’s award-winning artisan chocolate and coffee shop offers a selection of handcrafted, luxury chocolates, truffles and Easter eggs which are perfect for gifting this spring. In the café and shop in the heart of Richmond, explore the truffle counter filled with tempting bites, including boozy, white, dark and milk flavoured chocolates, or head to the chocolate studio in Aske where you can make your own treats.
1 Trinity Church Square, Richmond DL10 4HY
01748 825655
2 The Riding School, Aske DL10 5HQ
07950 211218
mochachocolateshop.co.uk
Cocoa Chocolate Wonderland
Dreamt up by two best friends who refused to grow up, Cocoa Chocolate Wonderland is an emporium of delicious handmade chocolates in the heart of Sheffield. This Easter head to the emporium on Ecclesall Road to shop everything from chocolate truffles to jars of old-fashioned sweets, handmade ice creams and proper hot chocolate.
462 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8PX
0114 268 5050
cocoawonderland.co.uk
York Cocoa House
Step inside York Cocoa House in the heart of York and discover the scrumptious chocolates made with real cocoa ingredients following both traditional and innovative processes. From classic milk chocolate Easter eggs to orange and dark chocolate flavours, there’s something for everyone here. Why not book one of their chocolate making workshops where you can take on the role of chocolatier and make your own tasty treats?
10 Castlegate, York YO1 9RG
01904 656731
yorkcocoahouse.co.uk
Bettys
A Yorkshire institution, Bettys is renowned for their afternoon teas, tasty sweet treats and, (of course) their tearooms across the county. For an extra special treat, shop their range of decadent Easter chocolates including champagne truffles and hand-painted eggs, as well as their fine Swiss chocolate Easter eggs each with their own delicate design. If chocolate isn’t your thing, Bettys also offer Easter hampers filled with fruit cakes and biscuits.
Tearooms Yorkshirewide
bettys.co.uk
Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food
Get your whole Easter feast under one roof at Turnbull’s Northumbrian Food Hall. At the butchers’ counter you’ll be able to pick up the finest quality local meats including beef, lamb, poultry and pork, as well as a small selection of seasonal game, delicious cooked meats and award-winning pies and pastries. Make sure to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves, as well as cakes, crackers and local ales whilst you’re there.
Willowburn Retail Park, Taylor Drive, Alnwick NE66 2DJ
01665 602186
turnbullsfood.co.uk
Taylor’s of Darlington
Since 1922 Taylor’s of Darlington have been serving the North East the finest cuts of premium meat, and after building up a solid reputation, have expanded to outposts across the region. Visit their shops or browse the full range online, where you can order everything from tomahawk steaks to roasting joints of beef, ham and pork, as well as fresh lamb, turkey and chicken. You’ll also find savoury pies, sausage rolls, quiche and Scotch eggs.
Darlington, Durham, Middlesbrough and Richmond
taylorsbutchers.com
Castle Bank Butchers
Find premium, quality meat produced from the best local farms at Castle Bank Butchers. Opening their first shop in County Durham back in 1978 Castle Bank have since expanded the business, opening butchery shops across the region, including in Barnard Castle, Stanhope, Crook and Corbridge. For delicious Easter lamb and beef, head into your local shop or go online – you’ll also find a selection of poultry, pork, game and seasonal specials.
Barnard Castle, Esh Winning, Crook, Corbridge and Stanhope
01539 620431
castlebankbutchers.co.uk
Charlotte’s Butchery
Celebrating 10 years of skilled butchery practice, Charlotte’s Butchery is the place to head to this Easter. As well as supplying some of the region’s top restaurants and cafés, Charlotte and her team are on hand to help you select the best cuts of meat for your Easter celebrations, whether it’s lamb for roasting, steak for grilling or chicken and pork for something a little different.
15 Ashburton Road, Newcastle NE3 4XN
0191 285 1988
charlottesbutchery.com
Nicholsons Butchers
With everything you would expect from a top notch, traditional butcher and baker, (which has been in the business for more than 100 years), Nicholsons Butchers is a favourite amongst those in the know. This Easter, shop online or visit the butchery and deli in Whitley Bay where the expert team can offer advice on their fresh and fine cuts of meat, as well as a range of tasty cooked meats, charcuterie, pies and savoury pastries.
140 Park View, Whitley Bay
NE26 3QN
0191 252 5250
nicholsonsbutchers.co.uk
Hutchinson Hobbs
The butchery department makes up more than half of this award-winning farm shop and the team here are renowned for their exceptional skills – it’s no wonder they’re finalists in the 2023 Farm Retail Association National Farm Shop Butchers Awards. Sourcing direct from local farms to improve quality and provenance within the community, visit the team in store to shop grass-fed and dry-aged beef and lamb, as well as free-range chicken and own-smoked bacon and ham.
Holden Fields Farm, Castlelevington, Yarm TS15 9PB
01642 788748
hutchinsonhobbs.co.uk
Bakerman Darlington
This not-for-profit, community bakery specialises in real sourdough bread and is run by head baker Dan Booth and his team. As well as a range of classic bakes, you’ll find unusual bread flavours such as tumeric, red onion and nigella seed loaves, as well as chilli and cheese sourdoughs. Lookout for their award-winning parmesan and black pepper sourdough – it was crowned the winner of Britain’s Best Loaf Competition last year.
9 Clark’s Yard, Darlington DLE 7QH
01325 787010
facebook.com/bakermandarlington
PureKnead
If you’re looking for freshly baked breads as well as delicious cakes and sweet treats, head to PureKnead this Easter. With outposts in Whitley Bay and Newcastle, PureKnead combine quality ingredients with traditional techniques, creating delicious breads using only flour, water and salt. Their range of cakes, hot crossed buns and sweet tarts are not to be missed.
111–113 Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 3RH
07964 864181
38 Dean Street, Newcastle NE1 1PG
0191 230 5857
pure-knead.co.uk
Northern Rye
In Newcastle’s Ouseburn district, Northern Rye handcraft small-batches of baked goods and specalise in sourdough breads, Viennoiserie, sandwiches and coffee. Using local flour and high quality ingredients, the team produce a range of tasty goods, including fresh breads, croissants and sweet pastries.
4 Riverside Walk, Byker NE6 1LX
northern-rye.co.uk
The Grateful Bread Bakery
This small, family-run artisan bakery in the heart of Hexham specialises in organic sourdough bread, and as well as their daily bakes (which include everything from dark rye sourdough to delicious ciabatta rolls) the team also bake tasty specials such as chocolate babka buns. Supplying customers with everything they need for the perfect Easter morning, pick up a number of delicious loaves and sweet bakes alongside Ampersand Dairy cultured butter and bags of freshly roasted local coffee.
10 Market Street, Hexham NE46 3NU
gratefulbread.co.uk
Fresh Artisan Bread Co.
The Fresh Artisan Bread Co. (also known as FAB) was founded in 2017 by Shynara Bakisheva and specialises in sourdough breads, baguettes and other breads from around the world. Visit the bakery in Fenham to stock up on seeded, white and malthouse sourdoughs, as well as New York deli-style rye loaves and almond and vanilla buns (one of FAB’s best-sellers). Got a sweet tooth? You’ll find croissants, pain au chocolats and vegan pastries at the bakery at weekends.
36 Fenham Hall Drive, Newcastle NE4 9UU
07920 585510
fabbakery.co.uk
Bread & Roses
Baking real artisan sourdough bread from their bakery in Alnwick, Bread & Roses use local ingredients wherever possible, alongside traditional techniques to make their mouth-watering breads. At farmers’ markets and foodie events across the region, you’ll find a selection of their daily bakes, which include everything from white levain loaves to seeded sourdoughs, Moscow rye breads and black pumpernickel loaves.
01665 603054
breadandroses.co.uk
La Chocolatrice
Originally offering truffle making classes and chocolate making workshops, Zoë Rutter opened La Chocolatrice in November 2021, but when the pandemic hit she turned her hand to chocolate making. Now La Chocolatrice offer a full-range of delicious bars, buttons and bonbons, as well as seasonal specials like Easter egg boxes including rocky road, raspberry caramel and fudge brownie flavours. Zoë is also running Easter egg making classes this spring, but be sure to book your spot soon as classes are extremely popular! Read more about La Chocolatrice in our interview with Zoë at livingnorth.com.
Commercial Road, Coxhoe DH6 4LD
lachocolatrice.co.uk
Studio 28 Patisserie
Located in Hoults Yard, Studio 28 Patisserie was founded more than 10 years ago by Naomi Longfield who wanted to bring high-end chocolate and pastry to Newcastle. Now creating a selection of delicious chocolate bars, small treats, hot chocolates and seasonal goodies such as Easter eggs and beautifully decorated bonbons, Studio 28 is the perfect place to shop this Easter.
Unit 2 Cobblestone Court, Hoults Yard, Walker Road, Newcastle NE6 1AB
studio28patisserie.co.uk
Davenports
This Gateshead-based chocolate company was founded by Jane Williams, who trained under master chocolatier Philippe Burger for seven years before she founded her own business. This Easter, shop a range of delicious chocolate eggs which are filled with mini chocolate truffles – think afternoon tea favourites such as lemon meringue and strawberries and cream, as well as brownie-inspired praline and dark chocolate truffles. Want to get creative? Order your own Easter egg making kit from their website, which comes with all the ingredients and decorations you need to design your own chocolate eggs.
0191 469 6579
davenportschocolates.co.uk
Gareth James Chocolatier
An independent artisan chocolatier, all Gareth James products are made on site in their upstairs studio. Capturing the true characteristics of each ingredient and matching each flavour to its perfect chocolate, there’s plenty of choice here, from decadent brownies and chocolate slabs to bars, selection boxes and vegan treats.
12 Front Street, Tynemouth NE30 4DX
0191 257 7799
garethjameschocolatier.co.uk
The Good Tempered Chocolate Company
Inspired by their travels and family adventures, the team behind The Good Tempered Chocolate Company choose, cook and prepare their delicious range of chunky, hand-cut chocolate slabs with fantastic flavour combinations – think dark chocolate, cranberry, ginger and raisin, as well as peanut butter and raspberry. Packaged in biodegradable and recyclable packaging, find these flavour-forward bars at stockists regionwide, or shop via their website.
goodtemperedchocolateco.com
The Chocolate Smiths
Local chocolatiers, The Chocolate Smiths are known for making incredibly unique chocolate bars and have racked up nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram. Expertly crafting their creations by hand, the team are proud to support other small businesses in their collaborative bars – look out for chocolate bar creations stuffed with brownie pieces and cookies. For Easter, The Chocolate Smiths have launched their Easter egg range in three flavours – Stroopwafel and salty pretzel, golden eggs with gold chocolate, Biscoff and caramel, and apple pie and custard white chocolate eggs. Be sure to get your order in fast as their collections always sell out!
thechocolatesmiths.com
