Pub of the week: Hart Inn, Sandsend

It’s a fabulous expanse of sand and if you’re lucky you’ll spot dolphins, porpoises and maybe even a Minke whale. It’s a four-mile yomp so you’ll be glad of a sit down and a pint; head for the Hart Inn, by the bridge. On a fine day, the garden at the side is a great place to catch some rays and watch kids building sandcastles on the beach – your canine chum is welcome here too.

This handsome roadside pub’s got a pleasant, fairly traditional interior too, with fresh flowers, stone floors, beams, tongue and grooved panelling and very comfortable leather and wool banquettes. It’s a proper village local’s boozer, and landlord Ivor Homer is quite a character, so if you’re up for bit of banter, you’re in luck.

On the pumps are Black Sheep Best Bitter and Old Speckled Hen, which on a recent visit was absolutely bob on. There’s a decent wine list, with three reds, three whites, prosecco and a couple of rosés. The Hart has something of a reputation for food, and rightly so. You’ll find the likes of mackerel pâté, salt and pepper squid, dressed crab, cod fishcakes, corned beef pie, F&C and burgers. You can eat in the bar and there’s a pleasant dining room upstairs.

It’s a cosy cold-weather pub, but for me it’s best on a sunny day.

Hart Inn, East Row, Sandsend, Whitby, YO21 3SU. 01947 893304. Food served: Monday to Friday, 11am-2.30pm and 5-8.30pm; Saturday, 11am-8.30pm; Sunday, 11am-2.30pm.