The Birch Hall Inn, Whitby

I walked the Inn Way to the North Yorkshire Moors 8 years ago - basically a 6-7 day pub crawl over 80 odd miles. I was looking forward to my visit here but the itinerary had be arrive either on a day it didnt open or had just closed. Remained on my bucket list since. Back in the area this week, so made sure to consult the opening times - having failed to notice it is cash only! A 5 mile walk from Goathland (not the direct route) and we arrived at midday Thursday to see the front door open. Then I saw the cash only sign. But wait, I have some shrapnel for parking in my rucksack. Would you believe to the penny it was the correct amount for a 2 drink round and a packet of Rhubarb and Custard from the sweeet shop that bisects the pub :-) The currently landlady has run the place for 44 years, taking over from someone who ran it for 54 years. The smaller bar was locked but the bigger bar (four tables!) was open and we sat in the corner having a lengthy chat to the landlady through a serving hatch. Like one of those offsales holes you got in pubs in the before the 80s. Two real ales on - I went for the house Beck Watter - a brown ale. Excellent condition. Impossible for me to be so glib as to rate. As an experience, it was wonderful. As a local, would I be fed up with the tourists? Maybe this is why it doesnt open on a Saturday. I'll load plenty of photos. Not sure how many will be accepted!

Facebook page of The Birch Hall Inn - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Birch Hall Inn - www.facebook.com

Absolutely splendid little pub in an idyllic location by a stone bridge over the rocky river. The main action is in the little public bar, which has not so much a bar as a hatch through to the ancient sweetshop and general stores next door, with the same person serving at both. The ceiling is brown painted boards and the walls have antique floral wall paper. To say the furnishing is traditional is an understatement - the benches round the sides have ancient cushions, with a handful of old dining chairs to help out. Somehow a dartboard is squeezed in the middle, but there isn't really room to play if there are more than half a dozen customers. An old gas lamp hangs over the hatch but a couple of electric bulbs provide light nowadays. Some way down a stone passageway past the toilets there is a riverside garden. The tiny bar at the front of the building is equally timeless and even smaller but does at least have a counter. It is not always open however. Ales on were Black Sheep and two from North Yorkshire brewery, including the rather nice malty house ale and in excellent condition. Food is limited to pork pies and butties, and it is popular with walkers, which is handy as parking is limited to a handful of roadside spaces. A definite experience and worth seeking out.