Harrogate is well known for its traditional tea rooms, famed for their loose-leaf teas and fluffy scones. On a recent visit to the spa town, I also spotted some interesting-looking newly established cafes. I was lucky to be able to visit one of them, La Maison du Café Espresso Bar or LMDC for short.

It’s a cosy café on a side street just around the corner from one of the town’s main streets. We received a friendly welcome and some much-needed help from the staff to decide what to cakes to try with our drinks as everything looked so tempting!

The café specialises in brownies and as there were three of us it would have been crazy not to try the ‘three for £5’ brownie offer.  I barely had a chance to photograph the brownies (white chocolate and raspberry, Malteser, and hazelnut and amaretto) before they were all gone!  LMDC uses Square Mile coffee beans and my flat white was deliciously smooth and rich; a perfect accompaniment to my brownie. The café also serves a range of teas; my friend had a refreshingly light green tea.

For days when a picnic is in order, LMDC can provide homemade packed lunches full of savoury and sweet treats. For the more traditional, they also serve afternoon tea with freshly baked scones.  My only regret is that we didn’t find the café earlier in the day as by the time we had finished our coffee it was closing. At least I know where to go for a pick-me-up next time I’m in Harrogate!

Images by Rachel Baker