Pub Of The Week: North Riding Brew Pub, Scarborough

The North Riding Brew Pub is here to remind us that its good beer, good grub and good company that really counts, nothing else.

Situated just off the promenade of the North Bay in Scarborough, this sizeable-but-cosy establishment was built in the 1850s as a hotel and still offers B&B to the tourists. It has two public rooms – a lounge which looks like it hasn’t changed since the 70s and a bar with just a handful of seats and a pool table.

Manning the pumps is landlord Stuart Neilson, who offers up a range of locally-sourced guest ales, the best bottled continental beer, home made pickled eggs and the pub’s own beers, which he has been brewing in the cellar since January this year. The regulars are mainly locals who know a good thing when they see it. They sit and merrily banter while listening to the excellent juke box and challenging each other to games of pool and darts.

Food is served on evenings and comes courtesy of Stuart again. It takes the form of well-made standard pub fare like jackets, sarnies and a particularly fearsome chilli. It’s all cheap and hearty.

Outside, you’ll find the pub’s van, which the landlord uses to travel across Yorkshire sourcing and bringing back the best real ales the county has to offer..

The atmosphere is one of a secret boy’s club, but this isn’t to say that women aren’t most welcome and a visit to the pub’s website will confirm that the mix of punters is more varied than a brief visit may suggest. Forget then chain pubs, this is a proper independent drinking den.

THE VERDICT

Welcome *****

Drinks selection ****

Atmosphere ****

Food ****

Prices ****