My Yorkshire: Matt Button, director at D.S Emotion
Matt Button is a director at Leeds-based branding and digital marketing agency D.S Emotion.
Where do you live/where are you from?
Born in Harrogate, North Yorkshire and now living in the pretty village of Kirk Hammerton with great connectivity to York, Leeds and Harrogate.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Although Swaledale would have to be the place to get away from it all, the view from the top of Sutton Bank across the vale of York is hard to beat. This is also a place where I spend breathtaking moments with my two teenage boys mountain biking, attempting to keep up with them as they descend at break neck speed down the narrow tracks.
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
It’s hard to say, as a family we’ve done a lot and have a passion for the outdoors, driven even more so by our energetic spaniel who needs to be ‘out there’ exploring. We’ve never visited Castle Howard and having passed it many times I think a little time spent fawning over the amazing architecture and grounds would help us become even greater ambassadors for the region.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
Where do I start! There are such fabulous eating experiences in Yorkshire. From The Pheasant Inn in Harome to Fish and Chips on Cobble Landing in Filey! As ‘foodies’ we are spoilt for choice. If we are talking memorable for a whole experience I think it would be cooking outdoors at home on a wood fire with my family. I know we don’t get the best weather in Yorkshire but when we do, it’s fabulous to get outside and back to basics.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
DS.Emotion is a branding and marketing agency that specialises in the promotion of destinations and ‘places’ across the UK with offices in Manchester and London where I spend a lot of time. Being a true Yorkshireman I guess is my most obvious trait. I travel quite extensively with work and meet many people through business. However while on those travels… there is a saying that you never have to ask a Yorkshireman where he’s from… because he’s already told you. That’s me I guess.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
The Corn Exchange in Leeds has the second largest unsupported dome in the country – The first being St Paul’s Cathedral!
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
Geoffrey Boycott, The Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Dracula.
First experience of Yorkshire (for non-Yorkshire folk)
Flood them with a walk following the River Swale in Swaledale followed by lunch in one of our beautiful country pubs with a proper pint at the One Eyed Rat in Ripon to finish the day!
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
Our 4G connection on the East Coast mainline to London! Not ‘Yorkshires’ fault however but very frustrating. The reason we pay top prices for train travel in the region is to travel in comfort and have the ability to work while on the move. This is made very difficult by the mobile connectivity we provide in the region and in fact most of the way down the East Coast line!
What is one thing you’d steal from other UK regions if you could?
The Lake District!
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
Dry stone walls – much as they punctuate our beautiful landscape I’m not sure they are the biggest selling point for the region!
