A family-run restaurant in Whitby, famous for its Fish and Chips Afternoon Tea, has secured a £25,000 business loan from NatWest to fund its expansion. Hetty & Betty, which has been serving the community since 2018, is using the loan to renovate its historic Georgian Ballroom, a key feature of its wedding venue. The expansion is set to create new jobs in the area as the business grows its offering.
Lois Kirtlan, Founder and Director of Hetty & Betty, established the restaurant after gaining 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The business, named after her daughter Harriett, has become a popular destination in Whitby, offering unique dining experiences and catering to weddings and special events.
Kirtlan explained that the loan will help the restaurant continue to thrive despite the economic pressures facing the hospitality sector. “The business loan we have received is critical to the continued growth of Hetty & Betty,” she said. “Growing the business has allowed us to offset inflationary pressures within the industry.”
Historic Venue Renovation
The Georgian Ballroom, which has hosted weddings and events since 1928, will benefit from significant investment thanks to the NatWest loan. The renovations will allow Hetty & Betty to enhance its wedding offerings, attracting more clients and boosting local employment. The restaurant plans to create a range of new jobs, from management positions to entry-level roles, as it expands its services.
As part of its growth strategy, Hetty & Betty aims to build on its heritage and expand its presence across Yorkshire. The business has ambitions to become a regional chain of restaurants, showcasing its unique brand and local roots.
Support from NatWest Accelerator
Kirtlan also credited the NatWest Accelerator programme for helping her business grow. The programme, which provides entrepreneurs with coaching and networking opportunities, has been instrumental in upskilling Hetty & Betty’s management team and strengthening the business’s local connections.
“The Accelerator programme has been hugely beneficial,” said Kirtlan. “It’s provided practical advice that we’ve been able to implement day to day, as well as bigger inspiration for business growth. I would encourage any business to apply for the programme – you’ll get out of it whatever you’re prepared to put in.”
NatWest is the largest bank for start-ups in the UK, offering a range of support through its Accelerator programme. The next round of the programme begins in March, and applications are open for businesses interested in participating.
Community Impact
Jack Sadler, Relationship Manager at NatWest, praised Hetty & Betty for its commitment to the local community. “The loan for Hetty & Betty builds on a long-standing relationship, at a time that is very exciting for the business,” he said. “We admire their dedication to endorsing Yorkshire heritage and supporting local suppliers. This funding enables them to continue their growth and strengthen their presence in the region.”
As Hetty & Betty continues to expand, the restaurant looks set to remain a key part of Whitby’s community, offering locals and visitors alike a unique dining experience while contributing to the local economy.
