(Image: TRIPADVISOR)
A countryside café near Thirsk has been described as a "hidden gem", with visitors praising its homemade cakes, ice cream, and friendly atmosphere.
The Old Barn Coffee Shop can be found at the entrance to York House Holiday Park, close to Bagby and a short distance from the historic market town.
Set inside a converted barn, the café serves breakfasts, lunches, cakes, and drinks, and has become popular with holidaymakers, walkers, cyclists, and residents.
It currently holds a 4.7-star rating on Tripadvisor reviews and 4.7 stars on Google, and is ranked among the restaurants in Thirsk.
Visitors have particularly praised the food and relaxed surroundings.
The Old Barn Coffee Shop
(Image: TRIPADVISOR)
One recent customer called it "a little hidden gem" after visiting with friends, describing the café, food, and setting as "brilliant".
Another visitor, who stopped after a walk in the surrounding countryside, was particularly impressed by the ice cream.
They said it was "without a doubt the best ice cream I have ever had", describing it as "thick, creamy, and gorgeous".
They also praised the coffee.
The café serves locally produced Brymor ice cream, while dogs are catered for with their own frozen yoghurt.
The Old Barn is deliberately dog-friendly, with a dedicated indoor area where customers can sit with their pets.
Families are also well catered for.
One customer visiting with children and a dog praised the "very friendly and efficient service", tasty food, and excellent ice cream.
They added that there was plenty for children to do and said they would "definitely be back".
A games room is available for younger visitors, while the café also has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Its mezzanine level can be booked for private functions and meetings.
Food includes a hearty all-day Yorkshire breakfast alongside lunches and a changing selection of homemade cakes.
There are also gluten-free and dairy-free bakes, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
One visitor whose family included people with coeliac disease praised the number of cake choices and said the café was a "top spot".
They were particularly pleased to discover gluten-free options, including toasties.
Another customer described the food as "great" and good value, adding that it had been served quickly by friendly staff.
They said they had "no hesitation" in giving the café five stars and would return when they next had the opportunity.
The setting is another attraction.
One visitor who needed a coffee stop while travelling through North Yorkshire said the café was only a little way off the main road and was worth making the detour for.
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They wrote: "Could have just gone to a Costa but why would you," before encouraging others to "support local".
The Old Barn also prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and has previously received recognition through the Flavours of Herriot Country awards and Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards.
Drinks include Yorkshire Tea, Italian-blend coffee, milkshakes, and a range of cold drinks.
Outside, customers can make use of a patio area, while there is a large car park and secure space for bicycles.
For visitors exploring the countryside around Thirsk, its combination of homemade food, cakes, ice cream, and dog-friendly facilities has helped make The Old Barn much more than an ordinary roadside coffee stop.