WITH the title of ‘Yorkshire Food Capital’ Malton offers high expectations from the get-go.
The town is famous for its year-round food festivals celebrating local produce and champions independent businesses, which surround you upon arriving in its busy centre.
Stepping back in time
A short walk up to Malton’s Shambles offers the chance to step back in time.
Businesses fill the historic street.
Spanning both sides is Magpie Antiques.
Gwynneth Warren has owned the shop for 36 years and stocks a huge range of unique products.
She said: “I love it here.
“I have lived in the area for over 40 years. It’s just a nice place to be.
“I love Ryedale market towns. I love the character of them.
“I have never been a city person.”
Speaking on the day to day running of the business, she said the shop attracts customers from all over, with many coming from York who find the area “relaxing”.
“They get to meet people that are passionate about what they do,” she said.
Gwynneth spoke of how the shop has been her life-long passion, and she plans on keeping it that way.
“I wouldn’t want to do online. It’s faceless,” she said.
Next door is Fascinating Rhythms – stocking a wide range of vinyl records, CDs, books, and more.
The shop has been owned by David Madd for over 30 years and attracts customers from all over, who often compliment David on the stock.
He said the shop has experienced success with the resurgence of vinyl, describing it as “excellent”.
“When we first started (vinyl) was on the wane and now it’s come back.”
Across the street is Country Cobbler, which too has been a staple in the town for 30 years.
It offers shoes, belts, repairs, key cutting and more.
A friendly feel rings throughout these stores, with patrons sharing a natter and brew while discussing the talk of the day.
You’ll also find The Wytchwood Gallery and Studio in The Shambles, owned by Alison Spaven.
This is the workplace of felt artist Alison who showcases her work – primarily focussing on animals.
She has been trying to push the boundaries of what can be done with wool in figurative and animal art since she began using the medium a decade ago.
Overlooking the Shambles, sits the Spotted Cow.
The pub is a stone throw from the cattle market and reopened in the summer under the management of Terry Johnston.
Terry said he has long had ties to Malton through racing.
After the pub reopened, it enjoyed a busy summer which has continued into this year.
“It’s been really good. Everyone’s been really happy since reopening,” said Terry.
“(There has been) lots of new faces which is really nice.”
Streets packed with businesses
Back down in the town centre is independent bookshop Kemps.
After opening two years ago, Andy Clark from the shop said: “The business has been going well.”
He spoke of how the “Malton clientele like independent shops”.
“They like the fact they can come in and browse.”
On Malton itself, Andy, who lives locally, said: “I like the fact that you don’t have to go anywhere else if you don’t want to. It’s got everything.”
Andy added that if a day out is on the cards, York and Scarborough are just short train journeys away.
Next door to Kemps is Cosy Cottage Soap.
Owner, Clara Challoner-Walker, described the business’ offering as “sustainable, palm oil free, plastic free, personal products”.
The shop will soon celebrate five years in the town, after moving from a site near York University.
Clara said she moved to Malton as she thought it was a “really great place to be”.
Now, the business has premises across the town including a soap making space near Talbot Yard, and their main manufacturing base in Navigation Wharf.
In addition to its store and website, Cosy Cottage Soap also sells products to businesses across the country - and is always looking for opportunities to get involved with the community.
Continuing down Market Place, The Gallery meets you.
Inside is work by owner, Christine Hughes, along with feature artists – with each month bringing a new display by a local artist.
Christine has owned the gallery for four years.
Despite a quiet start to the year, she said: “Generally it’s really good. We get a lot of repeat customers from local people.”
Independent lady’s boutique, The Rusty Fox, meets you further down the street.
Jane Swallow owns the shop and has been in the town for 15 years – also owning Smash Boutique at the bottom of Market Place.
She said: “Malton is great. I have seen how it has grown over the past 15 years.
“(There is) a lot of passion and care for business.”
She explained that a lot of people come to the town and take advantage of the two hours free parking on offer, but said the locals make the town what it is.
“It’s the local people that sustain independent shops.”
A spot of lunch is offered over the road at Lutt & Turner.
The café has been in the town for five years and wears Malton’s tag of ‘Yorkshire’s Food Capital’ on its sleeve, offering customers a range of fresh food and drinks – in addition to scores of eye-catching cakes and sweet treats.
Manager, Jo Allen, said the business has had to make changes after Covid, but is “doing really well”.
She said it has a steady stream of regulars.
“We know our regulars and they know us.”
Describing the cafe, Jo said it is a “home from home”.
A break with a view
Offering a break from the hustle and bustle of the town lies Talbot Yard.
The yard is surrounded by independent businesses including French patisserie, Florian Poirot, which has mastered the art of making the perfect macaron.
Also in the square is The Groovy Moo ice cream parlour, Blue Bird Bakery, Roost Coffee and Roastery, and butchers, Food 2 Remember.
On the square’s edge sits Rare Bird Distillery, offering the perfect bar to take in the views overlooking the Talbot Hotel and beyond.
The distillery was opened by Matt Stewart six years ago after leaving the fire service.
It distils its own gin on site, and also offers the chance for customers to get involved, with a gin school upstairs.
Kristina Scott from the distillery said: “It’s great. The Talbot Yard is just the perfect place to produce products.”
She added that many people travel to the area with the distillery in mind.
One of the newest businesses to town is Counter Interiors, a local, family-run, independent kitchen showroom.
Established in Clifton Moor by Luke Counter, he and his wife Rebecca have opened the showroom – which will have an open day on March 18 – see their advert on page 20.
At the Gazette & Herald, we have partnered with Ryedale District Council to encourage our readers to shop locally wherever they can.
READ NEXT: Kirkbymoorside: The small market town with lots to offer
We are shining a spotlight on Ryedale’s market towns showcasing the wide range of independent businesses and their offerings across the district.
Do you want to advertise your business in next week’s feature looking at Norton? Email alex.calman@localiq.co.uk for more details.
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