The unlikely UK ‘food capital’ market town where every corner boasts a gourmet wonder

One of the UK’s food capitals is actually a tiny little market town nestled in the heart of Yorkshire.

Beautiful and buzzing Malton, in North Yorkshire, is claiming the hearts of food lovers - and TV chefs adore it too.

It has so many artisan outlets that every second pretty pastel shop front seems to be a posh food maker, cute connoisseur cafe or a gastromone’s delight.

There are almost 30 independent foodie wonders jam-packed into its gorgeous centre - which is quite astonishing considering its diddly population of around just 5,000 people.

Dubbed Yorkshire's Food Capital, its gloriously quirky streets welcome tens of thousands of food and drink lovers who descend on the town to sample some of its tastiest delights - including Malton native TV chef James Martin and, in the past, the Hairy Bikers.

Just last year, King Charles visited Malton to open its latest grub haven - Talbot Yard Food Court - which boasts an array of indy food makers to please even the most discerning palate.

Alex Danson, 30, is the owner of Derventio Wines, who opened her specialist store around a year ago, finally entering her family business that’s been running since 1885.

"I’m the sixth generation," said Alex.

She explained: "I was born and bred in Malton. People expect it to have very fancy food restaurants but I would say it’s more about cafes and comfort food. If you want lunch, you could eat out every day of the week as it’s full of artisan food.

"When I was 16 it was full of charity shops. But it really has changed in the last 10 to 15 years."

Alex explains that what ramps up the vibe even further is the Malton Food Lovers Festival - which tens of thousands of hungry visitors flocked to over during the May Bank Holiday. Another is on the cards for October.

She said: "They are great and get lots of people out. There are Christmas markets too. The town has completely changed how it presents itself and it has become a bit more upmarket."

Alex says younger people are also increasingly interested in the town, which is in striking distance of trendy city cousin of York.

She said: "It’s definitely got a younger vibe."

Emily Baxter, 20, works in the Blue Bird Bakery, within Talbot Yard Food Court, and is a cake and pastry maker.

She explained why she travels 50 miles a day to work in the tiny but adorable outlet.

Emily said: "This is what I have done since I left school - and there’s not many jobs at this level in this industry."

The outlets all "recommend each other" explains Emily, which created a fantastic atmosphere of working together.

“It’s just the atmosphere [that I love] - it’s cutesy, quaint and very cute."

Florian Poirot, 41, runs a stunning patisserie of the same name, selling his signature macaroons and other sweet treats that have gained a stellar reputation. He moved to nearby York from France seven years ago to work for Nestle before striking out on his own to make the most of his renowned skills.

He said: “Malton is recognised for being a foodie place and it’s quite up market.

“We put a lot of love into what we do and produce everything here ourselves.”

After his macaroons sold like hot cakes at Malton market he and his wife Celine, 45, decided to open up the posh patisserie.

He said: “York was too expensive and although Malton doesn’t have the same footfall but [the customers] are looking for what we are selling.”

Dad of one to Thomas, four, also thinks the cooperative atmosphere between fellow artisans is what helps make Malton really special.

“We all have the same mindset,” he added.

Another favoured outlet is far more traditional in its scope - a good old fashioned fruit and veg shop called Paleys, which sells wares from local farms.

It is owned by local legend Michael Paley, 66, who says he’s “been on the market place since 1969.” However, he doesn’t seem perhaps as keen as the others about the way the place has changed.

He said: “A lot of pubs have closed, a lot of the grocery shops have closed - in fact the best pub in town The Green Man has closed.”

He says that the town has struggles in the past, “hit rock bottom at one time” and that traditional shops have been swapped for “pizza places”. “People’s habits change,” Michael concedes.

Michael also thinks that the owners of many of the commercial properties should invest more into the town. However he is still a huge fan of Malton and will never move away.

He added: “It’s a lovely place is Malton, don’t get me wrong.

“I think the people who live here are the best thing.”