Supporting Local: Why We Love Yorkshire-Made Treats
Here at Ballantynes Chocolates, we’re proud to call North Yorkshire home. From the rolling hills of the Dales to the charming streets of Bedale, this corner of the world is full of creativity, flavour, and good old-fashioned hospitality. And when it comes to sweet treats, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some truly talented local makers.
That’s why we’ve made it a big part of our mission to support local producers – and fill our shop with goodies that are made right here in Yorkshire. From ice cream to fudge to handmade bakes, these regional favourites bring something special to our shelves – and to every customer who walks through our door.
Brymor Ice Cream – Made with Love (and Cows) Near Masham
If you’ve ever tasted Brymor ice cream, you’ll understand why it has a loyal fanbase. Made on the farm at High Jervaulx, just outside Masham, Brymor uses local milk and cream from their own herd of cows to create what we think is some of the creamiest, dreamiest ice cream in the land.
We stock 10 delicious flavours, each more tempting than the last – from classic vanilla to rich chocolate, fruity favourites and seasonal specials. It’s a must-try whether you’re visiting on a sunny day or simply fancy a tub to take home.
There’s something really satisfying about serving a product that’s made just down the road – you can literally taste the freshness. And when customers ask, “Where’s this made?”, we love being able to say, “Just over the hill!”
Sawley Kitchen – Baking with Heart and Heritage
Another gem in our local lineup is Sawley Kitchen, based near Ripon. This lovely family-run bakery produces giant meringues, crumbly shortbread, and old-fashioned cookies – all lovingly made using traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Their giant meringues are a real showstopper – crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and perfect served with cream and fresh berries. The shortbread and cookies are a favourite for gifting (or for pairing with a quiet cuppa and a sit down).
We love working with Sawley Kitchen because, like us, they care about quality, flavour, and the little details that turn a treat into something memorable.
Fudge, Gifts & Local Art – More Than Just Chocolate
You’ll also find freshly made fudge in our shop, cooked the traditional way in coiin copper pans and packed full of flavour. With 5 fantastic varieties – from vanillvanilla and rum & raisin to caramel and beyond – there’s something for evereveryone. It’s sold in 100g bags or we can cut the amount you want and put it in a liin a little box.
In an addition to our sweet treats, we also stock thoughtful cards and gifts including:
- East of India – charming homeware and gift items
- Shoeless Joe – quirky, rustic decorations
- Gisela Graham – lovely mugs
- Felt So Good and So Heart Felt – delightful felt characters
- Gisela Graham – lovely mugs
- Felt So Good and So Heart Felt – delightful felt characters
These additions make it easy for customers to create a complete gift bundle – chocolates, fudge, card and ribbon, all in one go!
Why Supporting Local Matters to Us
As a small family-run business, we know how important it is to shop local and support others doing what they love. By stocking locally made products, we:
- Keep money in our community
- Support Yorkshire farmers, bakers and makers
- Reduce the distance our products travel
- Offer unique, high-quality items you won’t find on the high street
- Build relationships with brilliant businesses who care as much as we do
Our customers often say how much they enjoy discovering Yorkshire-made goodies in our shop – and we love introducing people to new favourites they might not have tried otherwise.
It’s not just about having “local products on the shelf” – it’s about connection, trust, and pride in what we sell.
Pop In and Taste Yorkshire at Its Best
If you haven’t visited Ballantynes yet, we’d love to welcome you. Whether you’re after a beautifully wrapped chocolate gift, a scoop of local ice cream, or a proper Yorkshire-made treat, we’ve got something you’ll love.
And if you’re one of our regulars – thank you for supporting small businesses like ours, and the brilliant local makers we work with. Every purchase helps keep local traditions alive and allows us to continue doing what we love.
So next time you’re in Bedale, pop by and say hello. We’ll have the kettle on, the fudge cut, and the chocolate counter full of joy – all proudly made, wrapped, and shared with love from Yorkshire.