Expect something different in Harrogate with the Country Home Store cafe's homemade food, tea parties and beer tasting, writes Jessica Powell

The Country Home Store, which sells country inspired gifts and homewares, is set to open their highly anticipated tearooms this month, and owner Elizabeth Maskell is positive it will be just what the people of Harrogate need.

Harrogate is home to several chain cafes and coffee shops but there is a severe lack of independent, traditional tearooms which most would expect to find in a historical spa town.

“We like to think we would perhaps be an alternative to Bettys – we’re a smal...

Ali Schofield crosses her fingers for the – mostly - successful staff at Jinnah

It sounds faintly ridiculous, but I hate when a review is going well. Not because I'm out to slate the restaurants of Harrogate – there's only one, maybe two I wouldn't return to – but more for the fact I find myself impressed, anonymously critiquing with a friend, knot in stomach hoping to God the staff don't slip up and ruin their good work before we leave.

Agas are the epitome of British country cooking and with winter approaching there has never been a better time to visit Harrogate's Aga Shop

Despite being a Swedish invention, Agas are an iconic part of British culture. Owners describe them with a fondness normally reserved for old friends, and they symbolise warmth, family and idyllic country living to the generations of people who grew up with them. Fans of the legendary oven include Prince Charles, Madonna, Jeremy Clarkson and chefs Antony Worrall Thompson and Jamie Oliver.

It's sooner than you think, so we've rounded up some of the finest festive offers for you to book now

So its that time of year again, when our tans are fading, our summer holidays have already become distant memories… so as autumn begins to descend around us and the cold weather sets in, we begin to dream of a white Christmas, bringing with it presents, mince pies, and many boozy festive nights. Many of us have already begun plans for the festivities, and here at Plush we have selected some of the best festive offerings Harrogate's venues have to host your celebrations.

Rebecca Willford drools over the possibilities available from Taste Cuisine

Organising the catering for any event can be difficult. When the event is your wedding, the job becomes even harder. Food is an integral part of any wedding reception. The bride and groom need an assurance of quality, efficiency and excellent service. The food and drink should also reflect a personal style. These components can be hard to find in one package, which may explain why many caterers are sourced by word of mouth. Taste Cuisine is no different.

Jessica Bradley runs Mama Doreen's Cupcake Company with Justine Hall

What made you want to set up your own cupcake company?