Pub Of The Week: The Alma, Scarborough

It’s never easy to recommend a locals’ pub. By their nature, pubs that have a healthy trade made up of regular punters tend to feel a tad unwelcoming to strangers.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jun 2013, 01:00 BST
The AlmaThe Alma
The Alma

They have their own quirks that don’t lend themselves to the unfamiliar visitor. Not the Alma. A short walk from the train station in Scarborough, this small, three-room pub has a dusty atmosphere, real ale and a complete lack of pretension.

The whiskey jugs, typewriters and opticians kits hanging off walls and cluttering up window ledges ensure that even with just a few people in the pub it feels full, but it’s the small groups of locals sat in corners nattering away that makes the Alma feel warm.

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There is a back room almost entirely filled with a pool table which hosts league matches on several nights of the week, they have a football team and the local “running” club – the Hash House Harriers – meet at the pub on most Sunday mornings.

The beer is rotated regularly but there is no food offering beyond nuts and crisps. Rather marvellously, though, there is the option to order in a Sunday lunch and have it delivered to the pub for just £4.99.

You may just recognise the Alma from its regular appearances in ITV series The Royal, where it played the local pub. Considering the programme was set in the 60s, it speaks volumes that it appeared to require very little set dressing to make it look 40- years-old. Then again, when you’ve got something right, why change it? The Alma is a happy, cheeky back street boozer with lots of happy, cheeky punters, how would a lick of paint improve that?

Dave Lee

1 Alma Parade, Scarborough YO11 1SJ. 01723 375587.

THE VERDICT

Welcome***

Drinks selection****

Atmosphere****

Food*

Prices****

Related topics:ScarboroughFood