Retailer Spotlight – The Yorkshire Deli

We’re thrilled to welcome The Yorkshire Deli – our newest retailer in Whitby – to the Khoo’s family! We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Ben, one of the three directors behind this family-run gem, to learn more about their journey from market stalls to a beautifully curated shop on Pier Road.

In our spotlight feature, Ben shares how the deli came to life, what drives their passion for local produce, and where he sees things heading next. There’s also a brilliant Yorkshire shopping list in there for any of our customers planning a visit to this cracking little coastal gem.

So, whether you’re a local or planning a trip to the coast, grab a cuppa, settle in, and discover why The Yorkshire Deli truly encapsulates the heart and soul of Yorkshire.

• Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about The Yorkshire Deli?
  So I’m Ben one of the directors here at The Yorkshire Deli. It’s a family business and 3 of us run the ship!
• You’ve spent over a decade selling your baked goods at food festivals, markets and events across Yorkshire, building up a loyal following along the way.
  What inspired you to take the leap from the trade events into opening a bricks-and-mortar shop? Was there a turning point or moment when you knew it was the right time?
  So the opportunity to take on a premises came up and we took it. Already having experience in the food industry has certainly helped and our customers still recognise the flapjacks from the market stall!
• You opened The Yorkshire Deli in just five days after getting the keys—what was that whirlwind week like?
  The week leading up to opening of the shop were pretty hectic! On the first day we didn’t even know the prices of most items in the shop which just added to the stress levels haha!
• We hear that it took four years to find your perfect location. What made Pier Road in Whitby “the one”?
  We didn’t think that much about the location but I think the time had come to move away from market stalls and finally get a premises.
• What is the ethos behind The Yorkshire Deli?
  At The Yorkshire Deli we champion local produce by only selling food and drink products made in Yorkshire. It’s amazing what’s on your doorstep when you do a bit of digging!
• We love fiery food at Khoo’s Hot Sauce. How hot do you like it? Could you let us know your favourite spicy meal?
  So I absolutely love hot food and have a bit of an obsession with hot sauce I can’t stop buying it! My favourite spicy meal would probably be a king prawn vindaloo.
• Where do you see the shop in 5 years’ time? Any big plans or dreams on the horizon?
  In five years I’d like to think we can continue doing what we’re doing and keep supporting all the local businesses out there and also seeing what new ones are out there!
• If someone wanted to put together the ultimate Yorkshire Deli shopping list—with a little bit of everything to truly experience the best of what you offer—what would you recommend? Feel free to include something savoury, something sweet, a drink, a store cupboard essential, and maybe even a wildcard pick!
  Yorkshire deli shopping list- Dale end Cheddar from Botton creamery likely the best cheddar you’ll ever buy! Whitbyshire sauce from local chef Rob Green his take on a classic Worcestershire sauce but in its own lane. Rexy’s sexy marmalade which has been made by Rex for over 40 years. He sure knows what he’s doing when it comes to marmalade. Chilli jam man’s mild Smokey chilli jam. A 3 star great taste award winner which is fantastic with cheese. Khoo’s Bajan hot sauce probably my favourite hot sauce in the Deli it’s great on literally everything.
• If one of our readers from outside of your area was to make the journey to visit your shop, what other local attractions would you recommend to make the perfect daytrip out of a visit to Whitby? Any hot tips or insider knowledge on hidden gems or unsung heroes nearby?
  There’s a lot to do in Whitby my advice would be to go with the flow have a wander and see where you end up. There’s plenty of little hidden streets off the beaten track which are fascinating.