Cooking Fantastic have turned what was a seconds china shop into a veritable ‘Aladdins cave’ of wonderful cookware and gifts to suit everyone of all ages and incomes.
People now travel from far and wide to visit the shop for its eclectic mix of cookware and gifts and, of course, the personal service they receive from the staff.
The business was bought in 2003 by Tanya Umpleby, aged 26, because of her love of cooking and with the very generous financial help from her fantastic ‘Aunt and Uncle’ Brian and Margaret Dutton. Back then it was a very quiet, bare shop called The White Rooms’ which was in need of some new life and energy and that’s exactly what it got!
Shortly after taking over, Jackie (Tanya’s mum) opened up a coffee shop on the first floor, selling Taylors of Harrogate coffee, tea, homemade cakes, quiches and other tempting delights, with the intention of increasing trade tthrough the shop. The cafe proved very popular and brought l
ots of people in who might not normally have frequented a cookshop.
In 2009, however, Jackie had a big operation on both her feet, wages increased dramatically and the difficult decision was made to close the cafe in September 2009. After much begging, pleading and nagging from customers it was agreed that ONE table would be left in the window (always the favourite) for drinks and cakes.This table has proved very popular and is often referred to as the ‘husbands table’ where they can sit and enjoy a drink and cake while their wives shop. We believe this also continues the tradition of local shops aiming to serve customers on a personal basis.
Who We Are
Tanya and her husband David live on their dairy farm in Killinghall, which they share with around 200 Holstein Friesian cows, their bees (more about them later) and their beloved dog, Butch.
Spruisty Farm
The shop joined in on the wedding day
