About Us
Car and Kitchen is a third-generation family business in the heart of Settle. For fifty years we've been part of town life, selling things that are useful and interesting in equal measure.
Today we're an independent lifestyle store and café, run by a husband-and-wife team who believe beautiful things should belong to everyone. Downstairs you'll find gifts, homeware and kitchenware; upstairs there's clothing and our café, for good coffee, lunch and homemade cake.
Everything is chosen with care: fewer, better things that make everyday life a little more beautiful. Even our logo takes its colours from the landscape on our doorstep, from the River Ribble and the Three Peaks to dry stone walls, footpaths and the viaduct. Come in, take your time, and stay for a coffee.
Car and Kitchen
We are a family-run independent department store based in Settle, North Yorkshire, at the gateway to the stunning Yorkshire Dales. Spread over two floors, Car and Kitchen offers a thoughtfully curated range of homeware, gifts, kitchenware, children’s toys and games, cards and stationery, women’s fashion and accessories — plus a welcoming in-house café on the first floor.
Our aim is to be more than just a shop; we want Car and Kitchen to be somewhere you look forward to visiting — a welcoming place full of inspiration, interesting finds, and good food & great coffee.
Car and Kitchen first opened its doors in 1976, founded by Henry’s grandparents. Originally converted from a garage, the shop blended an unusual mix of car parts and kitchenware — a true reflection of Henry’s grandparents’ innovation and entrepreneurship at the time.
Through the years
Car and Kitchen as 'Central Garage' circa 1930
A few years later, the business evolved again when Henry’s parents, Ken and Liz, joined the team. Liz had a natural flair for buying gifts, homeware, and fashion, while Ken — an intrepid foodie — opened a café upstairs, adding another layer to the store.
In 2014, Henry and Tash became part of the business. They have worked to reimagine the space thoughtfully — building on the foundations laid by previous generations, while gently evolving Car and Kitchen into what it is today. Their aim has always been to carry forward the original spirit of Car and Kitchen: a welcoming place filled with interesting finds, good food, and a strong sense of community.
Over time, Car and Kitchen has built a reputation for its eclectic mix of gifts, homeware, kitchenware, and women’s fashion — a reputation that continues to grow today.
Through the years
Car and Kitchen team photo circa 1990
Rooted in Settle and the Yorkshire Dales
Our deep connection to Settle and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales is a huge part of who we are. We’re proud to call this beautiful part of the world home — its landscapes, traditions, and spirit inspire everything we do.
To celebrate our roots, we developed a branding theme that features five distinctive elements of the local landscape:
Footpaths
The winding footpaths that weave their way across fields and valleys
Ribblehead Viaduct
The soaring arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct, one of Yorkshire’s most recognisable landmarks
Dry Stone Walls
The dry stone walls that crisscross the hillsides
River Ribble
And the ever-changing River Ribble that runs through the heart of Settle
Three Peaks
The iconic Three Peaks standing proud over the Dales
Each of these symbols reminds us of the character and beauty of our area — strong, enduring, and timeless — and they underpin the spirit of Car and Kitchen today.
We hope that whether you're visiting Settle for the first time, returning to explore more of the Yorkshire Dales, or simply popping in for a coffee, you’ll feel the same pride in this incredible place that we do.
Best Lifestyle Store
We were thrilled to be named the Muddy Stilettos Best Lifestyle Store in Yorkshire 2025. It was all thanks to our fab customers who voted for us.