Located in the popular Market Place, Nord Kaffe Knaresborough brings a slice of Scandinavian warmth to the town. After hearing that this was the best brunch in Knaresborough, we knew we had to stop by, if only to try their iconic banoffee latte. Whether you’re a local looking for a new artisan coffee spot to spend your weekends or visiting this stunning town and need a recommendation, here’s our review of Nord Kaffe to help you decide.
We were not compensated by the brand for our visit, nor were we gifted anything in this review. All opinions and photography are honest and our own.
Where is Nord Kaffe in Knaresborough?
You’ll find the cafe in a prime spot right in the centre of town at 20 Market Place (HG5 8AG). We chose to take the train to get here, which is only around 8 minutes from Harrogate. The walk to Nord Kaffe is then a five-minute walk up the hill from Knaresborough Railway Station, so it’s easily accessible.
There is also pay-and-display parking directly in Market Place or nearby car parks like Castle Grounds and Chapel Street if you do wish to drive.
Our Experience at Nord Kaffe
As you venture through the front door, you’re immediately hit by the warmth of the place. It evokes a sense of hygge and quiet luxury, with soft lighting and earthy tones. The tables are located close together, and there are plush sofas by the window, only adding to the cosiness of the cafe.
Trying to still enjoy the last remaining bit of sunshine, we decided to sit outside. There are several tables a short distance away from the entrance, which is ideal should you be unable to bag one inside or you’re waiting for some food to take away.
What We Ordered from Nord Kaffe
Nord Kaffe’s menu focuses on a variety of classic and Scandinavian breakfast and brunch classics. This includes a selection of fresh Danish pastries, artisan toasties, savoury breakfast bowls, and granola bowls. You’ve got a good mix of plant-based and healthy options along with more indulgent staples.
Drinks
We went with a classic Americano with some warm oat milk. The coffee was a nice, good-quality roast, and there was a good amount of froth to the milk. Additionally, after hearing rave reviews, we had to order their viral Banoffee Latte. The milky drink wasn’t as sweet as we’d first thought and had a subtle hint of banana. It’s a comforting drink, especially with the generous amount of whipped cream on the top.
The standout here was the mugs they served the hot beverages in. Next time we visit, we’ll have to ask where they purchased them from.
Given it was the weekend, we also thought we’d try one of their cocktails but were disappointed to see they didn’t have any mimosas or Buck’s Fizz. So instead, we made our own. We ordered two small bottles of Prosecco along with a small orange juice, which perfectly worked out at two Buck’s Fizz each.
Food
When it came to the food, there was no doubt in our minds. Firstly, we chose the Eggs Benedict, which came with two crispy potato röstis (like a flat hash brown), layered with crispy bacon, perfectly poached eggs, and a creamy hollandaise sauce. In addition to this, we opted for the Eggs Royale. Similar to the previous, it features two röstis with smoked salmon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
As people who love a good brunch, we have to say this could be one of the best we’ve ever had. The food was so flavourful and every element on the plate paired well. There was just the right amount of food, leaving you satisfied and not overly full. We wish we had a venue closer to home to visit more often.
To say we had a hot drink, an alcoholic drink, and a main meal each, for £58, this seemed quite reasonable.
What to Do Nearby in Knaresborough
After finishing up our food and settling the bill, we decided to explore the town a little more since the sun came out. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Knaresborough that you can find nearby Nord Kaffe.
- Knaresborough Castle – Only a few minutes away, you’ll come to Knaresborough Castle and the ruined 12th-century cliff-top fortress. It’s only small in size, so you can walk around the grounds quite easily. Plus, you have a beautiful view over the River Nidd and the Victorian railway viaduct.
- Hire a Boat – Head down the steps to the waterside via Bebra Gardens. You’ll immediately notice the iconic red-and-green rowing boats. If you don’t feel up to taking on the waters, you can sit back and watch as others do all the work. We’d recommend reserving this activity for the spring or summer, though.
- Mother Shipton’s Cave – Across the river, you’ll find one of England’s oldest tourist attractions, which opened all the way back in 1630. Inside, there’s the famous Petrifying Well, where mineral-rich water turns normal objects to stone over time. The nearby pub, the Mother Shipton Inn, also recently reopened after refurbishment, so you can head there afterwards for food and drinks if needed.
FAQs
Can You Book a Table at Nord Kaffe Knaresborough?
No, the cafe is strictly walk-ins only. This means that you may be required to wait until a table is free in the downstairs or upstairs area. Seating is quite limited, so you may be required to wait 20 minutes or more during the weekends. There are tables outside if you don’t mind braving the British weather.
Do You Order at The Counter at Nord Kaffe?
While you can make your order at the bar area, the cafe is mostly table service. You may find it takes longer for them to take your order during peak times, so you might want to place your order inside. The food and drinks do typically come quite quickly, though.
Are There Vegan and Dairy-Free Options Available at Nord Kaffe?
Yes, there are plenty of plant-based breakfast options and bakery options to choose from, such as smashed avocado on toast and wild mushroom frikasse. They also offer a range of alternative plant milks like oat and almond.
Is Nord Kaffe Dog Friendly?
Yes, Nord Kaffe is a dog-friendly venue in Knaresborough. There were plenty of dogs chilling underneath the tables when we visited.