Masham has always embraced the unusual. From its history as a self-governing Peculier to its lively marketplace brimming with independent shops, the town celebrates character in all its forms. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the delightfully Peculier™ products created and curated by local businesses. Here’s a taste of what you can find while you’re here, handpicked by our very own shopkeepers…

Theakston Brewery

One of Masham’s oldest breweries, T+R Theakston has been crafting legendary ales since 1827. Their Visitor Centre offers tours, tastings and a glimpse into one of England’s oldest working breweries. Want to try something truly peculier?

Top Peculier Pick:

Theakston Spirit of Old Peculier — this pale-gold, mellow beer spirit is distilled from their iconic Old Peculier ale. Smooth and well-balanced, with subtle cherry, banana and vanilla notes from oak shavings in their cooperage, it’s as unique as Masham itself. Other favourites include their Peculier preserves, fruitcake made with Old Peculier, and the delightfully quirky backward-running Peculier Time clock.

Masham Gallery

Home to over 120 artists and makers, Masham Gallery is a celebration of creativity situated at the heart of Masham’s Georgian Market Place. Everything here is ethically crafted, often one-of-a-kind and impossible to replicate…

Top Peculier Pick:

A delicate, teardrop-shaped porcelain bottle adorned with a magpie and its nest — a piece so distinctive, you won’t find it anywhere else!

Corks and Cases Wine Merchants & Gin Distillery

Located in the centre of Masham, Corks & Cases combines a curated selection of international wines from around the world alongside locally crafted spirits. Plus, they also offer gin-making and tasting experiences if you fancy making your own. But what’s their most peculier product?

Top Peculier Picks:

Masala Chai Tea Blend infused with pure Australian eucalyptus honey, offering a warm, spiced experience unlike any other. Also, Spirit of Masham hand sanitiser – so good it was used in the Houses of Parliament during the Covid pandemic.

The Yorkshire Pet Company

While the Yorkshire Pet Company is perhaps best known for its handmade leads and collars with custom embroidery and a huge range of colour options, the shop also has some more unusual offerings…

Top Peculier Pick:

Air-Dried Bull’s Penis (or pizzles). It might not sound very appealing, but dogs love this long-lasting chew treat that is full of protein and helps to improve their dental health!

Beavers Butchers

Serving Masham and the Dales since the 1960s, Beavers Butchers is a family-run shop known for quality, locally sourced meat and range of homemade products. From over 30 sausage flavours to inventive pies and specials, it’s a must-visit for food lovers…

Top Peculier Pick:

Pork, horseradish and beetroot pie — a mash-up of bold flavours you won’t find at the supermarket.

Black Sheep Brewery

Founded in 1992, Black Sheep Brewery has become a cornerstone of Masham’s brewing heritage. The Visitor Centre offers tours and tastings, a fully stocked ‘Baa…r’ and a Sheepy Shop selling beers and branded merchandise. So, what’s their pick?

Top Peculier Pick:

Riggwelter Strong Dark Ale – 5.9%. Named after the local term for a sheep that has rolled onto its back and can’t get up… you may be able to guess why!

Joneva

Offering traditional sweets, luxury chocolates, local preserves, award-winning ice cream and a range of gifts, Joneva is perfect for both the curious and the sweet-toothed.

Top Peculier Picks:

Sticky Toffee Cheddar, Cola Alpacas and Mini Hot Jelly Peppers — sweet, unusual and a little bit daring.

Johnny Baghdad’s Café

This lively café on the square offers great Italian coffee, tempting cakes, hearty paninis and inventive specials. With vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. For a more peculier experience, we’d suggest trying one of the following…

Top Peculier Picks:

Spicy Chicken Shawarma, Moroccan Veg Koftas or the Spiced Apple Chutney panini — where sweet meets savoury in a perfectly quirky way.

Masham’s shops, cafés and breweries are full of stories, character and products that are as independent as the town itself. Whether it’s a spirit distilled from beer, a one-off piece of porcelain or a bull’s penis for your pooch, there’s something peculier around every corner.

So, next time you’re in town, pick up a Shop Like a Local brochure to learn more and explore our High Street’s many independent gems!

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