This story is sponsored by Neuhaus.

An overview of Neuhaus

Belgian chocolatier Neuhaus opened its first shop outside of London on James Street, Harrogate, a few months ago.

The luxury chocolatier that was founded in 1857 is known for inventing Belgian praline and offers a high-end chocolate experience.

Customers can learn about the history of each product in store – find out more about the stories behind Neuhaus here, while you can discover how you can get involved in the Insiders club where you can receive up to 10 free chocolate gifts per year below…

What is Neuhaus Insiders?

As a Neuhaus Insider, customers are the first to sample the latest innovations, limited edition collections and new ranges each month on a complimentary and commitment-free basis, as well as receiving a free box of birthday chocolates.

Neuhaus Insiders are also the first to be invited to exclusive preview events and find out more about its special promotions too.

How do I become a Neuhaus Insider?

All you need to do is sign up in store or online here and you can redeem your gift online or by visiting your local Neuhaus boutique.

FIND OUT MORE:

Neuhaus is located at 5 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS. To find out more visit the website.

(Lead Image: Usplash)

Upcycling can be a great way to breathe new life into old furniture, which is not only better for the environment, but also beneficial for your bank account too.

Social media is awash with time-lapse videos showing people turning preloved tables and cabinets from drab to fab – and while satisfying to watch, those ten second reels don’t fully represent the time and effort applied to each transformation.

It can be a daunting prospect to pick up a paintbrush or sandpaper and give it a go, but everybody has to start somewhere. The Stray Ferret spoke to Yorkshire artists and enthusiasts involved in upcycling and sustainability, to share some handy tips.

 Don’t be afraid to experiment

Jodie with one of her creations (Jodie Flavell Artist)

 Last month the Stray Ferret spoke to Harrogate-based artist Jodie Flavell about her background and the imminent opening of her new shop on Mayfield Grove. Although she had no formal training in interior design or art before she started working on preloved furniture, she managed to take what was a creative outlet and make it into a fully-fledged business.

She also shared some of the key learnings she’s taken from her experience, especially lessons she had to discover for herself along the way. Her first tip would be to carefully choose the right ‘canvas’ or item of furniture to work on.

Jodie said:

“Proper wood, even veneered wood is better as it can be sanded down, but cheaper, laminated wood effect is much harder to upcycle, and doesn’t take on paint as easily.”

Secondly, upcycling is all about experimenting – Jodie recalled that through her own trials and errors she realised ‘you don’t need to paint things one colour’ and that a light touch is needed.

“Sometimes people feel like they need to get as much paint on there and can be heavy-handed which is what causes drips and streaks.”

Start simple

Before and after (Image: Jessie Parker)

According to upcycling enthusiast Jessie Parker, an easy route into upcycling requires two simple variables: a spray can and a flat surface.

She explained:

“I’m a big fan of making my home look lovely, but I’m not a big fan of buying new. That’s why I love finding items in charity shops that look a bit sad but, with a bit of work, have real potential.

“Things like mirrors and old metal picture frames can be easily revived with a bit of spray paint.”

Jessie’s favourite colour to use is metallic gold as it can instantly make an item of furniture more vibrant. She recommends thoroughly sanding down the surface first and wiping it over with a damp cloth to remove any dust, so the colour has the best chance at holding.

Equally as important is to make sure when spraying the item, it’s placed on a flat surface, otherwise the risk of bumps, drips or uneven coverage can increase.

She added:

“You then want to shake the spray paint for at least a minute to avoid the fluids separating. I usually do three coats but you can experiment with this to get your desired results.

“You’ll soon have the spray painting bug and always been on the look out for new things to upcycle and rehome.”

First impressions aren’t everything

(Image: Usplash)

 It can be easy to see a chair upholstered in a loud 80s fabric or a careworn table and immediately write it off as unsalvageable – or simply too ugly to transform. However, learning to look past the dated exterior and consider the potential in the piece is something that James Gascoigne from Leeds realised the hard way – and it left him kicking himself on the missed opportunity.

He explained:

“I moved into my first home in August 2022, and I was pretty hard up after buying a house, but I didn’t want to just buy cheap for-now pieces that I didn’t really like and would end up replacing quickly.”

James turned to Facebook marketplace for some of the larger items of furniture and came across a chair that he liked the look of – despite what he described as its ‘poor condition’.

However, after sending the picture to his partner he was dissuaded from buying it. It wasn’t until a several weeks later, when he mentioned it to a friend that he realised just what he’d passed up on.

“I showed this friend and they said they thought it was worth something and it looked pretty vintage – she thought it was a Ming chair, a famous style of furniture.

“When I Googled it, she was right – although we didn’t know how old the one on Facebook marketplace was, some of the high-end stuff goes for upwards of £400 and this had been sold for a fraction of that. Oh yes – it was sold straight away, no doubt to someone who didn’t hesitate.”

James didn’t make the same mistake twice and has successfully turned his hand to many other upcycling projects since around his home. His advice would be to at least view the item if you’re unsure – it’s a good way to check out the vintage credentials.

Not all projects are created equal

(Image: Pixabay)

With previous experience transforming preloved furniture to sell on as a passion project, Harrogate-based Steph Flint has several pearls of wisdom to share with budding upcyclers.

Explaining why she enjoys the process of giving furniture a new lease of life, she said:

“I can never find a piece of furniture in a shop that I like enough to purchase. I prefer old furniture with character that has stood the test of time.

“It’s very satisfying seeing an old dark unloved cabinet that nobody wants, become the focus point in a room, with a new purpose. I find painting furniture very relaxing, and I enjoy the creativeness. It can become quite addictive.”

In her time, she’s found that dark, ‘post-war’ furniture takes on paint easily, and is often sold cheaply, as it isn’t considered to be in fashion. But the right type of furniture isn’t everything; using the correct tools is important to the success of the project too.

Steph added:

“Start with something small – a small table or a chair. I prefer to use chalk paint.  It is very forgiving and there is no preparation required before you start.  Top tip – use synthetic paint brushes, they don’t shred and clean very easily.”

Read more:

• Discover the Harrogate artist transforming furniture as part of the ‘upcycling revolution’
• From Beyonce to Birstwith – meet the new chef at The Station Hotel

(Lead image: Pixabay)

The region boasts many natural wonders, but one phenomena that never fails to bring the wow factor is the waterfall, and there are plenty of impressive examples dotted throughout the landscape.

From the popular to the tucked away, here are some unmissable walks in Yorkshire that include waterfalls en route.

Did you know? The reason that so many waterfalls have the word foss or force in their name can be traced back to the Vikings. Foss is the Old Norse word for waterfall –  this is the same case with beck, fell, ghyll or gill.

Scaleber Foss, Settle

(Image: Pixabay)

Outside of Settle and on the road to Malham, Scaleber Foss is a great stop-off point to stretch your legs if you’re on a longer journey into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Although it’s a short, and well-signed route to the waterfall, there is a steep descent to the lower pool, passing a disused lime kiln on the way.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, there’s a large pool in which the waterfall cascades into, from a 40 foot drop.

Parking: There’s free parking along the verges and in the lay-by around Scaleber Bridge.

Don’t miss… The pool is a great spot to paddle when it’s warm, but take care as it isn’t always accessible, especially after periods of bad weather.

Force Gill, Whernside

Ribbleshead Viaduct can be seen on the walk (Image: Benedict Roberts)

Whernside is best known for being one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks – but did you know there’s a waterfall cascading off one of its sides?

Passing the iconic Ribbleshead Viaduct on the way there and back, you’ll need to deviate from the footpath that climbs Whernside at the gate on Smithy Hill.

Parking: There’s free roadside parking near the viaduct, but this can be popular, especially in summer months.

Don’t miss… The Settle to Carlisle railway passes over the viaduct, so you might be able to spot the billowing smoke of a steam train.

River Nidd Falls, Lofthouse

(Image: Pixabay)

These waterfalls don’t have an official name on the map, but they’re commonly referred to as Nidd Falls.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside the hamlet of Lofthouse, there’s a series of waterfalls to be discovered in the woodland, with pools that can be paddled in – carefully, of course.

If you’re looking for a longer walk, Scar House Reservoir is also located nearby, and offers a four-mile stroll around the expanse of water.

Parking: There are several places to park depending on the length of your walk; Lofthouse car park, the village itself or the access road near Scar House Reservoir.

Don’t miss… If you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of places to refuel in Lofthouse, including the Crown Hotel, which is known for serving classic pub food, to be washed down with local ales.

Janet’s Foss, Malham

(Image: Pixabay)

It would be remiss to not mention this popular Yorkshire Dales walk, which takes in the iconic scenery of Malham – arguably more famous for the limestone pavement at Malham Cove.

Starting from the village, a footpath winds its way along the River Aire, through meadow and woodland, before reaching Janet’s Foss.

While local folklore tells of the queen of the fairies calling the area home, a less magical – but just as surprising – historical use for the pool beneath the waterfall was as a sheep dip.

Parking: There’s a car park in Malham village, but it is advised to arrive early to secure a space.

Don’t miss… The award-winning farm shop and café Town End Farm Shop is located on Malham Road, two miles outside of the village. If you’re looking for a unique experience, it runs charcuterie, salumi and curing courses throughout the year.

Mallyan Spout, Goathland

Mallyan Spout

Recognised as the highest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park at over 70 feet, Mallyan Spout was popular with tourists as far back as the Victorian era.

Accessible from Goathland, the walk can be challenging in parts, with large boulders to navigate as you near the waterfall. Walkers looking for a longer route often combine a visit to Mallyan Spout with Beck Hole, Thomason Foss and Nelly Ayre Foss.   

The path can be slippery, especially in wet weather, so caution is advised.

Parking: There’s a pay and display car park in Goathland village and by the train station.

Don’t miss… Goathland station was featured in the Harry Potter film franchise, as Hogsmeade station, otherwise known as the stop for Hogwarts.

Lumb Falls, Hebden Bridge

The river at Midgehole (Image: Greg Wilson/unsplash)

Lumb Falls is located three miles outside of Hebden Bridge and two miles away from Hardcastle Crags.

The route can vary in length; approximately 1.7 miles one way from Hardcastle Crags and 3 miles one way from Hebden Bridge.

From either direction, you can enjoy peaceful woodland scenery, with some uphill sections.

Parking: For walks starting near Hardcastle Crags, there’s Midgehole car park. Alternatively, if you’re starting in Hebden Bridge there are numerous pay-and-display car parks in the centre.

Don’t miss… Hebden Bridge is well worth a visit, and is known for being an artist’s haven, with numerous independent businesses to explore.

Hardraw Force, Hawes

Hardraw Force

Reputed to be England’s highest single drop waterfall at 100 feet, Hardraw Force has been immortalised in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves but it was already famous in its own right as a beautiful feature of the Dales landscape.

Tucked behind the Green Dragon Inn, the short trail to Hardraw Force is accessible for a small fee, as the land is privately owned. For a longer route, walkers often set off from the charming market town of Hawes and follow the River Ure.

Parking: The Green Dragon car park, or the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in the centre of Hawes.

Don’t miss… The clearing below the waterfall lends itself to great acoustics, providing a perfect – and scenic – backdrop for the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival.

Read more:

• 7 places to see spring flowers in Yorkshire 
• Weekend walks in North Yorkshire – with a pub en route
• Get on your bike and explore routes for all abilities across Yorkshire

Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

Yemi’s Food Stories was a year-old last week and it’s a perfect time to reflect on my journey since pitching the idea for a food column.

There have been many highlights over the past year, and I have been privileged to meet amazing chefs and independent food retailers. I have loved dining out and writing about my experiences and enjoyed sharing my recipes and stories.

Readers have been supportive with many of you sending in recommendations of places to go, pointing out the odd mistake and giving feedback that have made me a better writer. Some readers, like Ann Townson, have become friends and others have dropped my name when visiting places to encourage the food retailers.

A fruity entrement made by @babnaspatisserie to celebrate the anniversary milestone

I want to take this moment to appreciate everyone of you for coming along with me on this journey and taking time to read my posts.

After taking part in MasterChefUK 2022 competition, where I finished in the top six as a semi-finalist, I wanted to give back by recognising those behind the scenes of our food and drink: from farmers, producers to retailers by championing their produces, products and events.

More festivals

Despite having lived in Harrogate for over ten years, I never made it to the Great Yorkshire Show until last year when I was covering the event for my food column. This was a brilliant opportunity to meet those I wanted to write about, and I can’t wait to see them again this year and discover new products.

This year, I will be doing a chef demonstration on the main GYS cooking stage and covering the event.

A standout cauliflower dish

I visited many food festivals including the RHS Festival of Flavours, Harrogate, Wetherby, Ripley and Yorkshire Dales where I did food demos and covered the events.

This year I am going further afield to East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Manchester food festivals and Mountainview food and wellness festival at Kilkenny in Ireland so I will be bringing you any fabulous food and product finds.

More experiences

Some of my highlights stand out for reasons over and above the food and drink. For the scenery and scenic drives, the Himalayan Gardens, Bar & Restaurant EightyEight at Grantley Hall and Cocoa Joe’s in Boroughbridge were memorable.

For behind the scenes, visiting Rudding Park Kitchen Garden, baking at Bettys Cookery school and spending time with Chef Mehdi Boukemach at Fodders were fun and educational.

A dessert made by Samira Effa of Bar & Restaurant EightyEight

Some places have become the heart of the community where great food, drinks and friendly faces are waiting for you; visiting Folk Coffee House along Leeds Road was fantastic and felt like hanging out at a friend’s place.

More fine dining

For fine dining and exceptional classical cookery, Bar & Restaurant Eighty-Eight at Grantley Hall was a definite highlight for me along with Paradise Café at Daleside nursery, Kendell’s Bistro Leeds and Rhubarb Harrogate. Check out Ake & Humphris along Leeds Road for excellent wine selections and expert advice.

For great experiences and wonderful gifts ideas for your ‘foodies’, Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours, Yolk Farm & Minskip Farm shop and a tour of Ellers Farm Distilleries with a tasting of stunning cocktails are perfect.

Dining at Rhubarb

The Afghan and Syrian kitchen experiences are fantastic values and the perfect way to learn about new cultures and food whilst listening to people’s stories.

I had a fantastic brunch at the Hideaway in Boroughbridge where chef Ben Keightley is delighting the locals who would actually like to keep the place hidden in plain sight – but their secret is out, and we can all enjoy the brunch experience.

More future stars

Meeting cake designer, Kean Ong from Blossom Tree Cake Company was special. From the sublime flavours of cake, the intricate handmade flowers to their timeless and elegant designs, I can see why they are chosen by many couples.

At Harrogate Ladies College

Speaking of future stars, spending the day mentoring some students at Harrogate ladies College was a brilliant experience.

More to come…

There is more to come in this new year, so please get in touch if you want me to check out your restaurant, shop, coffee house, products, produces or events. Keep sending in your recommendations and thank you for your continued support.

Read more:

• Yemi’s Food Stories: top tips for cooking with limited ingredients
• Yemi’s Food Stories: making healthy eating delicious and irresistible
• Yemi’s Food Stories: a taste of France at Kendell’s Bistro, Leeds
• Yemi’s Food Stories: embracing spring by celebrating seasonal produce
• Yemi’s Food Stories: Rafi’s Spicebox Harrogate