Witching Post Inn, Whitby

This pub is one of two that sit on top of the hill overlooking Egton village on the northern extremity of the North Yorkshire Moors. It is a very old and very typical moors stone building with thick walls and low ceilinged, beamed rooms. To the left of the front door is the main bar which was carpeted and had a tiled fireplace. The fire was still going in the middle of May and gave the place a very cosy feel. Local prints and watercolours lined the walls. Food service was clearly a priority with the main seating being heavy oak tables and chairs. The barmaid was cheerful and welcoming. The three real ales on hand pump were Wensleydale Brewery’s Semer Water and Black Dub, flanking Theakston’s Best Bitter. The Semer (£3.70 for a half with a packet of decent crisps) was a very refreshing, balanced pale ale in fine condition (NBSS 4). To the right of the entrance was a room dominated by a pool table with a few pews style table booths running along one side. I understand that the pub was renamed a few years ago after the witching post present in the building. These are peculiar to the North York Moors and are heavy wood engraved posts present in houses and cottages, intended to protect them from witches and evil spirits. I recommend this pub and hope to return and sample the lunchtime menu.

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