Otley’s a hidden shopping gem north of Leeds with a whole host of fabulous shops and services. If you’re looking for something quintessentially from the town, here are some of our favourites.

To market, to market
Otley’s fab Farmers’ Market made its return after lockdown last month and is set to go again from 9am to 1pm on Sunday September 27 – loads of stalls with produce from the farms of North and West Yorkshire. Of course, Otley’s regular market continues throughout the month too, open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30am until 3.30pm. See here for more.

Specialist spirits
Otley long had a reputation as one of the country’s premier pub towns – and while we still have some brilliant boozers, speciality drinks shops are all the rage. Chez Vin is home to a fabulous range of wines, while Rumagin, in the Orchard Gate shopping centre, is home to … you guessed it… a fine selection of gins and rums. If you’re still hankering after an ale, then head to the Curious Hop for beers from Yorkshire and much further beyond.

Browse for books
The rise of online shopping means that many books are bought from the massive internet retailers. But nothing beats a proper browse at a proper book shop. Good job then that we have Just Books which does just that. Head in, ask owner Sarah for her advice and pick up something to read, just like the good old days.

Pork pies to die for
Most towns can barely merit a single butcher’s shop these days, let alone three. But that’s what we have in Otley. Three brilliant butchers offering meat and poultry from local farms, as well as some of the best pork pies out there. We couldn’t put a cigarette paper between them, but everyone has a favourite. Check out Middlemiss, Weegmanns and Wilkinson’s for more.

Sweet sensations
Got a sweet tooth? Otley is the place for you. At The Sweet Escape on New Market, one can find a great choice of sweets and chocolates served old-school style from large jars behind the counter. Over on Westgate, there’s Otley’s version of Willy Wonka himself in the guise of Trevor Backhouse of the fantastic Patisserie Viennoise – pay a visit to the shop and see the chocolate gurgling away through the window. And make sure to pick up some of the to-die-for truffles.