Pub of the Week: Old Scalby Mills, Scarborough

At the end of the promenade, the northernmost part of Scarborough's North Bay, is the Sea Cut, a natural-looking but man-made channel that drains the Derwent into the North Sea. Here, where the cut meets the sea, sits Old Scalby Mills, a 17th century watermill converted into the most picturesque pub in Scarborough.

During the off-peak months there is much satisfaction to be had from sitting in the lounge and staring through the huge picture window which overlooks the whole of the bay as far as the castle. The stormier the weather, the cosier you feel watching the waves hit the sea wall while you tuck into one of the decent platefuls of food or simply nursing a pint of North Bay Ale, made solely for the pub by Wold Top Brewery. The pub is dog friendly, so there’s usually a mutt to pet as well.

Come the summer, though, and Old Scalby Mills becomes a magnet for thirsty walkers traversing the Cleveland Way (which passes directly by the pub), hungry visitors to the next door Sea Life Centre or parents who just want to sit in the front beer garden while their offspring explore.

And while it can get very busy during the school holidays, it’s these times where the pub really shines; real ale, proper chips, a sit down, kids occupied, the sound of the sea, the sun on your face and half of Scarborough laid out before you. And, best of all, you’re as far as you can get in the town from the clatter of the South Bay. Marvellous.

• Scalby Mills Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6RP. 01723 500449, oldscalbymills.co.uk

WELCOME 3/5

DRINKS SELECTION 4/5

ATMOSPHERE 3/5

PRICES 4/5