The hilarious reason why a national newspaper journalist was ‘barred’ from Bettys in York

It is a haven of good taste and decorum in the middle of a bustling city.

People queue for a table at Bettys Café Tea Rooms in York for the impeccable manners as much as the delicious fare.

So when one national newspaper journalist accidentally destroyed the genteel atmosphere at the St Helen’s Square café, it led to consequences…

Janice Turner recounted the events in her column in The Times. Ms Turner, the former editor of That’s Life, tells it better than we ever could, under the headline: ‘My big fat faux pas’.

So here’s what happened, in her own words…

“I was en route to York, to join my cousin for her birthday. She and a jolly band of ladies were travelling by minibus from Barnsley to celebrate with a champagne tea at the Grand Hotel.

But first there was a pre-tea at the legendary Betty’s, a café of Hyacinth Bucket-esque refinement.

“As we left, I thought I’d buy one of Betty’s signature plump currant scones to take back for my husband. ‘I’d like a Fat Bastard,’ I said to the assistant. ‘You mean a Fat Rascal,’ she replied stony-faced.

“The ladies roared. Barred from Betty’s, and possibly Yorkshire too. The disgrace!”