From the leafy loveliness of Harrogate Grammar School, take a right and wander past the beautiful period properties, salubrious roads filled at weekends with young Harrogate families and it’s a matter of minutes before you arrive at Harrogate’s Notting Hill of the North – Cold Bath Road. With direct access from Harrogate centre too, you can experience an afternoon tea at nearby Betty’s Tea Room and take a short stroll to this mecca of independence.
According to notes from Harrogate Library: “Cold Bath Road originated as a link between the Sulphur Well at Low Harrogate with the Cold Bath in the Pavilion Square/Beechwood Crescent area. Much of it was developed before 1850. It follows a meandering route, unlike the consciously laid out estate roads in the area which are straight or more regularly curve.”
During the mid-20th century, Cold Bath Road was home to a few grocers and cafes (we think Merrits’ grocers and Elizabeth’s café), and has blossomed into a wonderful, independently-spirited collection of interesting shops, cafes and bars.
With over 50 gorgeous establishments, with everything from delis, bakeries, restaurants, clothing shops, pet stores and hardware stores along this half a mile, it’s easy to see why Cold Bath Road remains a popular haunt for families and friends. And it’s no wonder this much-loved area has its own Twitter and Instagram accounts!
William and Victoria Wine Bar is one of the longest running independents in Harrogate and has been in the same family for over four decades. Often referred to as Will and Vic’s, you’ll find locals and spa visitors enjoying the locally sourced food, Yorkshire gins and hand pulled pints.
Delivering an Andalusian edge, with Spanish tapas and wines that gives more than a nod to its Spanish roots, La Feria offers its visitors an authentic taste of Spain, with its speciality free-range rotisserie chicken, authentic tapas made from the finest ingredients and a list of Spanish wines, cavas, beer and sherry to tempt.
For the Italian food lovers there’s Pranzo, an authentically rustic pasta restaurant with a mouth-watering menu that’s made fresh on-site every day with ingredients imported from Italy and sourced locally. It’s great for a weekend lunch or dinner, especially when accompanied by an Aperol Spritz!
Not your average deli, Cold Bath Deli serves what you would expect from a deli and so much more. With cocktail and canapé evenings, hearty stews, noddle salads, gorgeous home-made cakes, all available to take away or eat in in lovely surroundings.
Serving “the bread that came down from heaven”, Manna Bakery offers a great breakfast and lunch menu, filled with homemade breads and pastries, including the most divine and changing menu of sough dough.
Any tour of Cold Bath Road would not be complete without a word about two of the area’s stalwart businesses. Lancaster’s Bakery was founded in 1906 and moved to Cold Bath Road in 1919. Since then, this institution has been delivering hand crafted baked goods for special occasions and for every day.
When you’ve had your fill of delicious food, you can browse the independent retail stores along Cold Bath Road, including Tiger 57 where you’ll find children’s clothes, accessories, books and toys. Your children can play while you pick up gifts for grown-ups too.
If you prefer your clothes of the vintage variety, no stroll along Cold Bath Road could be complete without a visit to Catherine Smith Vintage. Expect to find vintage designer pieces from Hermes, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Dior alongside mid and late 20th century cocktail dresses jewellery.
Serving the local community for decades, Illingworth’s Hardware Store is a familiar sight and offers all you would expect from a local hardware store. You’ll find everything you need to complete that DIY project, and what’s more it will come with the help and support of the experienced staff, who can tell you exactly what you need to do! There’s nothing quite like hands-on advice.
Visit for a day, combine with a spa weekend, or consider a move to this glorious part of the world! According to Rightmove, properties around Cold Bath Road had an overall average price of £428,578 over the last year, with majority of sales being flats, selling for an average price of £253,165. Terraced properties sold for an average of £426,958, with detached properties fetching £831,970.
