The Old Chemist

16 Market Pl, Knaresborough HG5 8AG, United Kingdom
+44 1423 863153
$$$ Cafe , Gift shop
(31 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to The Old Chemist, an enchanting café and shop nestled in the heart of Knaresborough at 16 Market Place. This unique destination perfectly fuses the charm of a bygone era with the vibrancy of modern day, making it an unmissable stop for both locals and visitors alike.

The Old Chemist is much more than just a café; it’s an experience. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a delightful assortment of old-fashioned sweets, Yorkshire teas, and a variety of locally crafted gifts. Picture yourself meandering through a treasure trove of Yorkshire biscuits, lavender products, and quirky souvenirs—the sheer joy of browsing here is often shared by patrons like Anne Davies, who noted how “interesting it is to browse around in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Ascend to the cozy Lavender Café upstairs, where you can unwind with a steaming pot of traditional Yorkshired tea. The delightful aroma wafting through the space creates a perfect backdrop for enjoying scrumptious cakes and light bites. Customers rave about the friendly service and the lovely atmosphere, with Sarah McDonald remarking on the warmth and politeness of the staff—a testament to the spirit of hospitality that permeates every corner of this charming establishment.

The ambiance here invites you to take a step back in time. Asma captures it perfectly when she notes that visiting The Old Chemist is like “being back in time.” Whether you lounge at a table inside or take in the lively market square from one of the outdoor seats, every visit promises a cozy escape filled with delightful experiences and flavors.

One of the standout features of The Old Chemist is not only its unique ecology of products but also the friendly staff that enhances the visitor experience. Many patrons, such as Ed Thomas and KevP6345, have expressed appreciation for the attentive, patient service during their visits, which further enriches the overall ambiance.

Whether you're looking to indulge in a delightful treat, search for a unique souvenir, or simply soak up the welcoming atmosphere, The Old Chemist is simply magical. Make sure to visit this captivating locale for a slice of Knaresborough that you won’t soon forget!

Service options
On-site services
Delivery
Highlights
Great tea selection
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

31 Reviews
Linda Bowe

19 Sep 2025

Great cafe up stairs, shop lovely for gifts, chocolates etc. Lovely atmosphere.

Anne Davies

27 Aug 2025

Visited here 26 September. Its an amazing shop selling old fashioned sweets, Yorkshire teas, Yorkshire biscuits, Yorkshire fruit cake, Yorkshire lavenders, Yorkshire tea towels, Yorkshire gifts of all types plus varying other gifts. Its so interesting to browse around in a relaxed atmosphere. I bought a carrier bag full of goodies at reasonable prices. Upstairs is the Lavender Cafe which is definately worth a visit. Would recomend and return.

KevP6345

04 Aug 2025

Absolutely fantastic shop. The young lady we met today was lovely.

Sarah Mcdonald

29 Jul 2025

Was visiting the town and popped in to have a browse. Very quaint shop downstairs and small tea room upstairs. Just had a pot of Yorkshire tea. Great it comes with added hot water. Bought some souvenirs from shop. Staff friendly and polite.

Ed Thomas

01 Jul 2025

A very good cafe in the town Square. Tables outside otherwise its up stairs to the other tables

Asma

31 May 2025

A very old shop which is what is most interesting about this shop, its like being back in time being in here. Sells souvenirs of every kind that a tourist could possibly want, but abit pricey. Some sweets or biscuits you might find cheaper in another shop or in supermarket. Manager and worker was very friendly and patient. Didnt get frustrated at us changing our minds or kids being curious etc.

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