Pub of the week: Captain Cook Inn, Staithes

The Cook, as it's known locally, sits solidly at the top of the vertiginous bank that drops down into the historic, quirky fishing village of Staithes; once it was the Station Hotel which serviced the Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway. The trains ran over the now dismantled Staithes Viaduct.

Today it’s a warm, family-friendly open space with chunky furniture, tartan carpets and open fires. Cock one ear and you’ll still hear fishermen telling tall tales about the day’s catch, some of which appears on a simple menu. It’s pleasing, homemade pub grub (the steak & ale pie and Sunday roasts are legendary) with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The Cook is a CAMRA favourite, with four handpumps, maybe five in summer, offering an eclectic mix of beer styles which include their own in-house brews. Northern Navigator comes from North Yorkshire Brewery at Pinchinthorpe, and Striding in the Riding is a blonde ale brewed in Helmsley (it’s the official brew of the Cleveland Way). If cider’s your thing, Flat Tyre damson is a hand-pulled clear brew – it will change in the summer to a cloudy one.

The Cook’s renowned for holding monthly live music events. Check their Facebook page for upcoming gigs.

Outside, a pleasant beer garden and a glimpse of the sea and the spectacular Boulby Cliffs – the highest on the east coast. Pull up a chair and kick back after a yomp on the stunning headland to Port Mulgrave and back.

Captain Cook Inn, 60 Staithes Lane, Staithes, TS13 5AD. 01947 840200, captaincookinn.co.uk