Bowman Riley brings new look to Bettys Harlow Carr
Bowman Riley is delivering the interior design for the refurbishment of the much-loved Bettys Café Tea Rooms at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate.
A firm favourite with visitors since it opened in 2004, Bettys Harlow Carr has become an integral part of the experience at one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated gardens. Now, more than 20 years after opening, the café is receiving its first significant refresh, with Bowman Riley appointed as interior designers to create a renewed customer experience while retaining the character and charm synonymous with the Bettys brand.
The refurbishment has been carefully designed to create a more welcoming and relaxed environment, bringing a fresh sense of elegance to the café while celebrating its unique setting overlooking the gardens. The design balances Bettys’ established identity with a contemporary approach to hospitality, creating a space that feels familiar while offering something new for returning visitors.
The refreshed café will feature a full, freshly prepared menu and enhanced spaces for customers to enjoy views across RHS Garden Harlow Carr. A new Bettys To Go Window will also be introduced at the garden entrance, making it easier for visitors to pick up Bettys favourites and picnic essentials before exploring the gardens.
Table bookings will be introduced for the first time at Harlow Carr, giving visitors greater flexibility and making it easier to plan their visit, particularly for families and those visiting later in the afternoon.
Bowman Riley’s interior design team has worked closely with Bettys & Taylors Group to develop the refreshed look and feel, ensuring that every aspect of the customer environment reflects the quality, warmth and attention to detail associated with the iconic Yorkshire brand.
The café temporarily closed on 7 September to enable the refurbishment works to take place and is scheduled to reopen on 5 October 2026. RHS Garden Harlow Carr remains open throughout the works, with alternative catering and refreshment options available for visitors.
The project builds on Bowman Riley’s relationship with Bettys & Taylors Group, supporting the family-owned Yorkshire business in evolving its customer spaces while respecting the heritage and distinctive character that make Bettys so recognisable.
Nicky Sellers, Branch Director at Bettys, said: “We’re excited to be investing in Bettys Harlow Carr. The café tea rooms are a very special part of a visit to RHS Garden Harlow Carr and we look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
The refreshed Bettys Café Tea Rooms will reopen this autumn, bringing a new chapter to one of Yorkshire’s best-loved hospitality destinations.