Ainsleys

FLOJO · Post by **FLOJO** » Mon 16 Nov, 2009 8:03 am

My late mother-in-law worked at Ainsleys from 69 to the late 70s, she started off at Woodhouse Lane opposite the University where they catered for students needs, then 2 years later she went to the Headrow shop where she worked till retiring. The Ainsley family looked after their staff. When Mr Ainsley died his son Martin and daughter Joyce took over the running of it. They made the best strawberry tarts and cream meringues I have ever had, also their quiches were great. I have so many happy memories of them like making my wedding cake in 72 with double marzipan on one layer and in 75 my sons christening cake, so lets hope someone comes and rescues them and keeps the good name going.

Si · Post by Si » Mon 16 Nov, 2009 9:01 am

Trojan wrote: Brunel wrote: I believe this used to be Bettys in LEEDS.Jnc. of Commercial St. and Lands Ln. Yup I think you might be right. He is, Trojan. ISTR that the shop/bakery was on the ground floor with the cafe above. They had cakes shaped like Dougal from the Magic Roundabout in the window.

Uno Hoo · Post by **Uno Hoo** » Mon 16 Nov, 2009 3:29 pm

Mrs H and I had a mooch round Leeds yesterday afternoon. Sun shining, buskers busking, lots of folk spending money - quite a change from Bradford where I don't mooch around - and cafes and sandwich shops doing well. Except for Ainsleys' shop in Kirkgate, which although open for business, didn't seem to be doing any. I felt sorry for the assistant standing there with nothing to do. Maybe it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mind you, sandwich shops don't make much from me. I've never seen the sense in paying a lot (relatively) of money for something I can rustle up for next to nothing at home.

Dalehelms · Post by **Dalehelms** » Mon 16 Nov, 2009 3:43 pm

I don't know about the sausage rolls, but as my kids would verify, Ainsleys' Sacher Torte was to die for. I haven't bought one for ages, but must get one again before the shop disappears.

dogduke · Post by **dogduke** » Mon 16 Nov, 2009 5:30 pm

Si wrote: Trojan wrote: Brunel wrote: I believe this used to be Bettys in LEEDS.Jnc. of Commercial St. and Lands Ln. Yup I think you might be right. He is, Trojan. ISTR that the shop/bakery was on the ground floor with the cafe above. They had cakes shaped like Dougal from the Magic Roundabout in the window. That was in the days before Bettys became so trendy(and expensive)THeir individual steak pies were my regular Saturday dinner,and if I was lucky mam would get me a hot dog.The bun was impaled on a heated spike which made an ideal spotto drop the already warmed sausage into.

Chrism · Post by **Chrism** » Tue 08 Dec, 2009 11:57 am

Down here in the Midlands there is a bakery company called Hindleys. Their vans are the exact same colour as Ainsleys and the Hindleys name is written in the same script as Ainsleys. Next time I see one I'll get a pic to show here.

Trojan · Post by **Trojan** » Tue 08 Dec, 2009 2:23 pm

dogduke wrote: That was in the days before Bettys became so trendy(and expensive) I seem to remember having a snack at Betty's in Leeds in the sixties and it not being particularly expensive. I wonder when and why they moved up market. I suppose being in Harrogate will do that for you

sundowner · Post by **sundowner** » Tue 08 Dec, 2009 8:41 pm

Trojan wrote: dogduke wrote: That was in the days before Bettys became so trendy(and expensive) I seem to remember having a snack at Betty's in Leeds in the sixties and it not being particularly expensive. I wonder when and why they moved up market. I suppose being in Harrogate will do that for you I should think Leeds is on par with Harrogate when it comes to prices. Bettys would do very well in Leeds now, looking at the type of shops and the prices i would think the people who shop in Leeds would have no problem paying Bettys prices.Im not putting Bettys down i think there products are second to none but a bit pricey for me.

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Tue 08 Dec, 2009 8:47 pm

sundowner wrote: Trojan wrote: dogduke wrote: That was in the days before Bettys became so trendy(and expensive) I seem to remember having a snack at Betty's in Leeds in the sixties and it not being particularly expensive. I wonder when and why they moved up market. I suppose being in Harrogate will do that for you I should think Leeds is on par with Harrogate when it comes to prices. Bettys would do very well in Leeds now, looking at the type of shops and the prices i would think the people who shop in Leeds would have no problem paying Bettys prices.Im not putting Bettys down i think there products are second to none but a bit pricey for me. I'm sure Bettys provide top notch afternoon teas, but one look at the prices on the menu in the window was enough to put me off!I suppose the idea is to keep the riff-raff (me) out The recession certainly doesn't seem to be having much of an impact on Bettys, last time I was in Harrogate there must have been 20 people queuing outside waiting for a table.Actually, the best afternoon tea I've ever had was at the Old Station at Masham, but I suspect we're wandering off topic (again).

LS1 · Post by **LS1** » Wed 09 Dec, 2009 8:56 am

Massively off topic I know, but I think with Bettys in Harrogate and York its the American tourists they get that keeps it going. They all like the idea of "high tea" and sandwiches served on multi-tiered plates with the crusts cut off. With the American air base nearby and the quiantness or York and Harrogate it's no surprise!