Award winning Bliss Cafe in Thirsk North Yorkshire – home to the Yorkshire Vets and the unforgettable late James Herriot – has earned yet another accolade: Frost Magazine’s Most Friendly café Award 2019

Recommendations were received not just from Thirsk, but nationwide, including High Wycombe (near London) Exeter and Lytham St Anne’s.

So – why?

As one of those who recommended Bliss Café said – It’s a sanctuary, not just for people but their dogs and children. Just like stepping into a friend’s house. There’s great food, good coffee and lots of laughter, or tranquility, if that’s what you need.

Another: There is such a sense of companionship – come into my house, and let’s chat.

And yet another: Jacqui Collyns and her staff greeted us as though we were friends who’d dropped in for a chat and a coffee. Food is brilliant too: scones, cakes, breakfast and each day a different lunch menu.

And so it went on.

Bliss Café is set in Millgate, Thirsk. In the morning, if a tourist, you can visit the James Herriot Museum and then head across the market square to Millgate, and Bliss. Once there, take the weight off your feet, and collapse on one of the leather sofas, or sit up round a table. If you have your phone, there is wifi. If you have dogs they will be served first, with sliced sausage.

If you have children they will loved the relaxed ambiance. Around you locals will be chatting to one another, and probably you. Jacqui her daughters and staff will definitely be chatting to everyone.

We asked Jacqui how Bliss Café came into being?

My life changed ten years ago, and there I was, a single parent with two children, five and ten, Madeline and Isabel, and dogs, and I had to start again. But what to do?

I was travelling through Thirsk on my motorbike (yes, you heard Jacqui correctly) and saw this rather sad empty shop. A friend travelling with me, said. ‘That’s could be a café. Your café. You love having friends dropping in, with their dogs and kids, and cooking, baking, making coffee, tea. Do it for a living. Make your cafe a home from home.’

It appealed to me: somewhere to put down roots, a way of adding to the community, and being in the hub of things. But could I make it work?

And has it for you, as well as your customers, or should we say friends?

Oh yes, it’s absurd to love earning a living so much. Bliss has enhanced my life, given me a grounding, enveloped me in friendship.

Frost Magazine listened to, and chatted with customers. One mentioned Bliss as a sanctuary, before he went on his way home. He comes in most mornings, as do several others it seems. Another talked of the fun which swirls around the café. Another mentioned the sense of belonging.

So, bravo Bliss, bravo Jacqui. Long may you continue to  create a home from home for your customers – oops sorry, friends, old and new.

Bliss Café: 12 Millgate, Thirsk YO7 1AA Open 7 days a week. 01845 868163

Images courtesy of Bliss Cafe