Abbey Wharf, Whitby

Popped in here over the October Halloween Goth Weekend. I did a pub crawl and the Shambles was the only pub to serve its beer in plastic glasses. All the pubs were pretty busy and the Shambles was no exception. The beer I had was very nice, but being served in plastic is not good. Just had the one and moved on.

I have been in here twice during my pilgrimages to Whitby - once in October 2009, and once in April 2010. The pub is upstairs over an indoor market in a relatively new build. It is large, open plan and modern. In looks, the interior seems to be struggling for an identity. It is quite bland. Beer wise, it serves a variety of Copper Dragon and Theakstons ales. Now, on my first visit in Oct 2009, the place was quiet and the staff seemed quite surly. I waited to be served for what seemed an eternity, eventually leaving and going elsewhere having got a bad impression of the place. The second time I visited in April 2010, the place was still quiet, but had a much more welcoming atmosphere. The sun was shining and it was nice and warm and comfortable. My father-in-law and I sat here for a number of hours quaffing more pints of Old Peculiar than I care to remember. My wife and mother-in-law had to come and help us back to our digs! Based on my first visit, I would not recommend this place. Based on my second, I would recommend it highly. I am confused!