Pub of the Week: The Bay Hotel, Robin Hood's Bay

As pubs in stunning locations go, the Bay takes some beating. For the very few of you who have never ventured down the vertiginous hillside to the harbour, you've a treat in store. The handsome 19th century inn sits proudly on the very edge of the beach; climb up the stone steps to the bar and you start to get an idea of what the view might be like from one of the long windows.

The pub marks the end of Alfred Wainwright’s 192-mile Coast to Coast walk which starts in Cumbria. You’ll probably need a pint or two after that.

Inside, comfortably upholstered banquettes await and a roaring fire at one end for those stormy nights when the sea is pounding against the building. The ‘family’ room at the other side has French windows leading onto a balcony which hovers directly above the sea, and at times it’s possible to feel that you really are floating on it.

On the pumps, cask ales include Theakstons Lightfoot and Best Bitter, Wainwrights and Deuchars IPA and there are decent wines by the glass starting at £2.40. The menu is classic pub grub, with fish and chips, Whitby scampi and one of the best home made steak and potato pies in the county.

In 1935 J Arthur Rank’s first feature film was shot partly in Robin Hood’s Bay and the pub had a starring role. Called The Turn of the Tide it is based on the book Three Fevers written by local author Leo Walmsley.

The Bay Hotel, Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire YO22 4SJ. www.bayhotel.info

Open seven days a week, 11am to 11pm. Food served all day, 12–9pm.

WELCOME 5/5

DRINKS SELECTION 5/5

ATMOSPHERE 5/5

PRICES 5/5