Firstly, let's clarify what makes a good pub - the beer.
Okay, having gone through that list let's cover the aspects that might discourage a recommendation:
- loud music
- neon signage
- lots of huge TV screens
- young people
- even younger people (i.e. children)
- chrome fittings
- shabby furnishings
- poor service
- a lack of beer
There are quite a number of pubs in Whitby, some of which I don't think I'd re-visit. A few along the harbour-side (whale-bone side) are okay, but are either too "family-friendly" (Pier Inn), or are too difficult to get into without having to step over a drunk (The Jolly Sailors). Or the Buck Inn - which ticks a number of items in the list above. So, avoid those in general. There are many; we can be picky.
Stepping across the swing bridge, towards the Abbey, immediately on your right is the Dolphin. This have recently been refurbished and has been much improved. It offers a decent selection of beers; and a good collection of food. Slightly better than what I'd call simple 'pub grub' and well worth one or two visits. Service was fine, if not stunning. The views out towards the bridge and west bank are also a bonus. Busy in high season.
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| The Dolphin |
Further into the cobbled streets of Whitby there are two pubs at the end of the main road, close to the 199 steps: the Board Inn and the Duke of York.
The Duke of York is very popular due to the views across the harbour from a number of the tables. Again, this has had a couple of minor alterations in recent years to expand capacity, and there's a fairly obvious nautical theme. Furnishings are pleasant, staff friendly and efficient. The meals are fine, and the beer is good. If you can get in, then one of the nicer pubs in Whitby, and not resting on its laurels.
(there are no decent pictures of the Duke of York ... certainly the interior shown on their website is pre-alterations)
Next door (and don't accidentally exit the Duke of York for a swift tab, then return to the wrong venue) is the Board Inn. Slightly ignored in favour of its neighbour this is a decent, simple, local pub. Cheap pub grub and nicely kept beer, usually with a few different Theakston's on. You won't go in here and feel disappointed, if it's not exactly a 'wow'.
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| The Board Inn (on right is Duke of York ... it's that close!) |
One other pub of note is The Shambles - up the steps near to the cobbled square 50m from the Board Inn. A nice selection of fairly well-kept beer, and okay food but mainly of note for seating offering views across the harbour. Good if a little soulless - not quite a pub, as you'll understand if you go. There are at least another five pubs on this side of the harbour, all within 10 minutes' walk ... plenty of choice!
Returning to the whale-bone side of the town there are a few more pubs worth a mention.
The Wetherspoons in Whitby (The Angel Hotel) is on the corner, just passed where the leisure boats are booked. Although nothing special (beer isn't great, and I'd avoid the food) it's enormous inside, and has one of the fewer outside seating areas which is a sun trap. You can sit and have a pleasant coffee with great views across to the Abbey up on the hill. Coffee and a bacon cob though, is about as far as you ought to sensibly go in terms of food and drink.
Going past the Wetherspoons, continuing towards the train station, you'll find the Station Inn. This has always been one of the better pubs in Whitby, and still is. Good selection of beers, pork pies to eat, and a couple of lovely big fires if you're visiting in the colder months. Busy at times (especially on quiz nights) but if you have the time to spare, a place for a lazy afternoon to slip by.
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| Station Inn |
And finally, on the corner as you going up past the church you'll find the Little Angel. One of only a few pubs in Whitby to show sport on TV, but not in an obtrusive way. The beer is good, and although there's not really a food selection beyond a few sandwiches at lunchtime, it's where to go if you need a fix of sport. Bar staff friendly, and it's an easy, casual atmosphere.
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| The Little Angel |
So that's my set of recommendations for pubs in Whitby. A set of at least half a dozen to busy yourself with. Enjoy!
Remember: beer - it'll never let you down.
