The Story

Yorkshire-born Olympic triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee have been running, cycling and swimming the landscape of their home county for over 20 years. The rolling hills and splashes of open water have made it one of the best locations for triathlon training you could wish for. And there is one more essential component in their training plan… refuelling with some Yorkshire treats and a proper brew in local cafés.

When the nation locked down in March 2020, the lads were forced to swap roads, hills, open water and tea rooms for treadmills, static bikes, a resistance pool and a kettle! During lockdown training, while missing his favourite café pitstops and pondering how to continue fundraising for the Brownlee Foundation during these strange times, Jonny had an idea – The Cafés are Open Challenge.

The Challenge

From 1st August, the Brownlee Brothers want you to visit some of their favourite Yorkshire cafés whilst supporting the Brownlee Foundation – a charity which gives children across the UK the opportunity to get active through swimming, cycling and running.

They’ve enlisted the help of their friends at Yorkshire Tea to create a goody bag of exclusive, limited-edition merchandise which will be given to the first 500 people to complete the challenge.
(The merchandise, as pictured above, consists of 1 x tote bag, 1 x water bottle, 1 x socks, 1 x tea towel).

All finishers will also be entered into a prize draw to win a cycle ride with the Brownlee Brothers plus a year’s supply of Yorkshire Tea, with a runner up prize receiving a year’s supply of Yorkshire Tea.

To take part in the treasure hunt style challenge, you need to visit 5 out of the 15 Yorkshire cafés on the route between 1st August and 31st October 2021, stopping for a picture of the red teapot plaque or a scan of the QR code and a brew at each one.

Step 1

Visit our give.net page and donate £30, make sure you save your email receipt for later.

Step 2

Visit at least 5 of the listed cafés taking part. Either take a picture of each red teapot plaque or scan each QR code.

Step 3

If you have taken photos of the teapot plaques, email us with your 5 photos – low resolution please, to the link below and include your give.net receipt, name and address. If you scanned the QR codes, email us with your give.net receipt and confirm your name and address.

Step 4

If you’re one of the lucky 500 people to complete the trail first, you’ll receive your lovely goodies in the post. We’ll also be in touch if you’re successful in winning the extra prizes.

The Foundation

The Brownlee Foundation was founded by Olympic triathletes, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, to inspire children from all backgrounds to enjoy sport, encourage them to lead active lifestyles and benefit from the opportunities sport provides.

The Foundation’s work is predominantly carried out through Brownlee Foundation events which are designed to give primary school children an introduction to the four sports of triathlon, swimming, cycling and running in a fun, non-competitive and inclusive environment.

The number of events has grown from 1 event in Leeds in 2014 to 10 events in 2019 taking place annually across Yorkshire, the Midlands, Manchester & London.

Over 30,000 children have now been introduced to triathlon thanks to the Brownlee Foundation.

All funds raised will be used to help children get active through the Foundation’s events.

Find out more about the Foundation

Participating Cafés

There are 15 cafés taking part (but you don’t have to visit them all). Scan the QR code to open the map or click to access our google map with the numbered cafes here.

Share photos from your visits with us on social media using #TheCafesAreOpen and tagging the cafés!

Please note it is the responsibility of participants to check opening days and times for each individual café.

Please bear in mind that some cafes may be operating by bookings only.

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1. Bloomfield Square

28-30 Gay Ln, Otley LS21 1BR
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2. The Commute Café

20 Leeds Rd, Ilkley LS29 8DS
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3. Bettys Ilkley Café Tea Rooms

32 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EE
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4. Hamiltons Café Bistro

8 High Mill Ln, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0RD
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5. Abbey Tea Rooms

Ferry House, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HB
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6. Tea on the Green

Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
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7. The Tea Cottage

6 B6160, Skipton BD23 6EX
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8. The Brownie Barn

Howgill Barn, Howgill Ln, Skipton BD23 6JE
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9. Riverbank Burnsall

Village Green, Burnsall, Skipton BD23 6BS
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10. The Old School Tea Room

Main St, Grassington, Hebden, Skipton BD23 5DX
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11. Cobblestones Cafe

3 The Square, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5AQ
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12. Zarina's Tea Room Café

Middle Ln, Kettlewell, Skipton BD23 5QX
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13. The Old Barn Tea Room

Old Barn, Chapel Gate, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DA
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14. Town End Farm Shop

Airton, Skipton BD23 4BE
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15. The Clubhouse

18 Newmarket St, Skipton BD23 2HR
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1. Bloomfield Square

28-30 Gay Ln, Otley LS21 1BR
Visit Website

4. Hamiltons Café Bistro

8 High Mill Ln, Addingham, Ilkley LS29 0RD
Visit Website

7. The Tea Cottage

6 B6160, Skipton BD23 6EX
Visit Website

10. The Old School Tea Room

Main St, Grassington, Hebden, Skipton BD23 5DX
Visit Website

13. The Old Barn Tea Room

Old Barn, Chapel Gate, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DA
Visit Website

2. The Commute Café

20 Leeds Rd, Ilkley LS29 8DS
Visit Website

5. Abbey Tea Rooms

Ferry House, Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6HB
Visit Website

8. The Brownie Barn

Howgill Barn, Howgill Ln, Skipton BD23 6JE
Visit Website

11. Cobblestones Cafe

3 The Square, Grassington, Skipton BD23 5AQ
Visit Website

14. Town End Farm Shop

Airton, Skipton BD23 4BE
Visit Website

3. Bettys Ilkley Café Tea Rooms

32 The Grove, Ilkley LS29 9EE
Visit Website

6. Tea on the Green

Bolton Abbey, Skipton BD23 6EX
Visit Website

9. Riverbank Burnsall

Village Green, Burnsall, Skipton BD23 6BS
Visit Website

12. &then Tasting Deli

The Old Sheep Dip, Kettlewell BD23 5RB
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15. The Clubhouse

18 Newmarket St, Skipton BD23 2HR
Visit Website