My Yorkshire - Emily Joy: "There’s a real pride in where we come from"

What’s your favourite part of the county – and why?

The Yorkshire Dales. It’s that mix of scale and calm – proper working landscapes but still incredibly beautiful. It never feels overdone, and I always feel completely relaxed there.

What’s your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire?

Starting with a coffee, then a long day outside, whether that’s working in a garden or walking somewhere quiet. Finishing in a good pub, boots still muddy. If there’s time for a wander around a quaint Yorkshire town with independent shops, even better.

Do you have a favourite walk – or view?

It is hard to beat the views around Malham Cove. It’s one of those places that always delivers, whatever the weather.

Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill – she seems incredibly grounded and was a big inspiration when I was younger. I used to be massively into athletics and still remember her winning Olympic gold at London 2012. It was just amazing.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?

It’s got to be Dame Judi Dench. What a life. I also did some acting training at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, so I’m sure we’d have plenty to talk about – Yorkshire and acting.

If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what would it be?

Some of the lesser-known towns, but my hometown of Beverley is a real gem. It’s like a smaller York, with the Westwood pastureland, the Minster and the Black Mill – all real highlights.

If you could choose something in Yorkshire to own for a day, what would it be?

Castle Howard. I’d happily pretend to live there for the day, walking the grounds with my dogs and being the lady of the house I was always meant to be.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

Honesty. In the people, the landscapes, the work ethic. Nothing feels overly polished, and that’s what makes it strong. I also love that we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?

I used to have a season ticket for Hull City AFC, and I’d love to find the time to get back into that.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub?

The Black Bull is a proper pub. Great food, good drink, open fires. If you go on Bonfire Night, the display is right outside on the green – a brilliant atmosphere.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

Local farm shops mainly anywhere that’s seasonal and connected to the land.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you’ve known it?

There’s definitely more appreciation for good design and outdoor spaces now, which is a positive. The challenge is keeping things authentic as places become more popular.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

Barbara Hepworth. She carved her own path in a male-dominated world and lived unapologetically. Her work is so textural, bold and inspiring.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

Completely. The climate, the materials, the landscape – it all feeds into how we design and build gardens. It’s about creating spaces that genuinely work. I think it’s also pushed me towards more textural, natural materials. I love rugged stone and rusty metals, things you see all around here.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.

Yungblud. I love how proud he is of where he comes from. He’s really put Doncaster on the map. His energy and music are electric.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, where should it be?

Whitby Abbey. You get that mix of openness, drama and quiet all in one. And if they can visit during Goth Weekend, they’ll see it properly come alive.