A TINY town in the north of Britain could soon become the ‘UK’s food capital’ – and you’ll want to visit during Christmas.
Set on the edge of the North York Moors, the small English town of Malton is famous for its annual food festival as well as monthly food market.
Malton has been nicknamed “Yorkshire’s food capital”[/caption]
Local business owner Clara Challoner Walker explains why Christmas is the best time to visit Malton[/caption]
For the last several years, local Tom Naylor-Leyland – who starred on Channel 5’s ‘Our Great Yorkshire Life’ – has been promoting Malton as the county’s food capital.
And another local has explained why she thinks the town is on the up.
Clara Challoner Walker, who has lived in Malton for the last nine years, owns natural beauty business Cosy Cottage.
Talking exclusively to the Sun Newspaper, she said: “Over the last five years, more creatives and artists have arrived in Malton.
“While the profile of the town hasn’t grown as quickly, there’s also a lag.
“You can only be famous because you’re doing really well, so you have to start doing the stuff really well first, and then the fame will follow.”
She added: “Malton has loads of independent shops, including gift and book shops.
“There’s a fantastic bookshop called Kemps as well as boutique clothing shops like Rusty Fox and Bias.
“Another favourite of mine is McMillans of Malton, which sells whisky and gin – the owner wears a kilt and there’s even a hidden speakeasy upstairs.”
And with its own Shambles shopping street, there are plenty of other independent shops to choose from including Environmental Art, Magpie Antiques and The Drunk Candle Company.
Visitors can become a creative for a couple of hours too, with artists and skilled craftspeople running workshop sessions.
The Cook’s Place runs cookery lessons like cake decorating, Cosy Cottage runs soap and candle-making workshops and there are even blacksmithing workshops.
Clara also revealed why Christmas is the best time to visit the town as well.
She added: “The blacksmithing workshops make brilliant Christmas gifts because they’re homemade, but people will also buy workshops as a Christmas present for the following year.”
What is it like to visit Malton?
THE SUN’s assistant travel editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Malton in 2022, here’s what she thought.
Malton’s monthly food market is reason enough to visit the Yorkshire foodie hub with stalls selling everything from monstrous brownies crammed with sweets and biscuits to artisan cheeses and fresh pork scratchings at £2 a bag.
Swing by the Cocoa Drop stand for some miniature choccies stuffed with unusual fillings like goats cheese, lemon posset and Jack Daniels.
Head down early to avoid the queues of hungry locals, then you can tuck into your goodies while listening to the live band by the church.
If you’ve missed the market, there’s no need to stress as the pubs and restaurants here are some of the best in the country – many feature in the Michelin guide.
And there really is something for everyone. Vegan? The Purple Carrot is the spot for you, serving colourful cauliflower cakes, and loaded sandwiches. More of a carnivore? The Fox and Rabbit does a cracking Sunday roast with all the trimmings – but make sure you go hungry as the portions are huge.
Visitors who want to experience a taste of these sessions should head to Malton on November 23, when St Clement’s Festival takes place.
The festival, which is now in its second year, is described as a “celebration of Malton’s host of craftspeople” with activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the day.
Sculpture and art trails, light shows and musical performances, also take place throughout the day, while twinkling Christmas lights, trees and decorations adorn the town.
Other tourist attractions in the town include Malton Museum, Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton Castle Gardens.
There are also two galleries in Malton where visitors can purchase paintings and artwork.
And thanks to its food scene, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat including the Purple Carrot, a vegetarian cafe which happens to be one of Clara’s favourites.
Other well-regarded restaurants include Florio’s Italian, Forty Six Malton, La Trattoria, Omni Bar & Yorkshire Grill and Tui‘s Thai Restaurant.
Three lesser-known towns to visit in Yorkshire
Here are three lesser-known towns to visit in Yorkshire.
- Hebden Bridge: Nestled in the Calder Valley, Hebden Bridge is a charming market town known for its vibrant arts scene, independent shops, and picturesque canals. The town has a bohemian feel and is surrounded by stunning countryside, making it ideal for both cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
- Richmond: This historic market town in North Yorkshire is often overlooked in favour of more famous destinations, but it has much to offer. Richmond boasts a Norman castle with spectacular views, a Georgian theatre, and a beautiful cobbled marketplace. The town sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, providing easy access to scenic walks and natural beauty.
- Pickering: Located on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Pickering is a delightful town with a rich history. It is home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which offers heritage steam train rides through stunning landscapes. The town also features Pickering Castle and the Beck Isle Museum, making it a great spot for history enthusiasts.
For overnight stays, there are a handful of hotels in Malton like The Talbot, The Old Lodge and the Mount Hotel.
Meanwhile, The Sun’s Katrina Turrill grew up in the prettiest town in Yorkshire – here’s what she thinks of it.
Malton is a lesser-known town in Yorkshire[/caption]
The town is known for its food scene and hub of creatives[/caption]
