North Riding Hotel, Scarborough

Two bar pub in a big, imposing hotel. The ale selection of six was excellent, well-served and eminently drinkable. Much of your experience depends on what time of day you go in and where you decide to drink. The lounge bar is a 70's-style plush area, one for warmth and old men playing dominoes. But when it's quiet, it feels very lonely and Sunday-like unless you are after a bit of solitude. The public bar by contrast, is a particularly spartan affair with very little in the way of creature comforts - it's very much a drinking den with the locals and their banter - probably not to everyone's taste when busy. The pool table gets in the way a bit, would be better off moving it to the lounge. Toilets weren’t the best, be wary. All in all, it's an excellent real ale pub but a few steps short of being a good all-rounder, but hopefully that will come in time. Well-worth a beer visit though, either way.

Up and coming pub right at the end of the North Cliff terrace. We often stay just up the road from here and have been in every time we have visited since the landlord and landlady (Stuart & Karen) moved down from the Cricketers. Great selection of ales always on tap and always well kept. We called in recently and whilst the TV was switched on the sound was muted (I can't remember having been in when it was loud) and there were a whole bunch of holidaymakers in. To be honest they were so thick that almost everything they said was hilarious. We and the regulars sitting at the bar were having difficulty trying not to laugh out loud. But it's that sort of place, everyone is welcome as long as they behave. It's people that make pubs what they are and this place has a whole bunch of characters.

I really liked this place. A fantasic exterior. Visited on a Sunday night, so very quiet inside. We elected to sit in the lounge and were the only guests, which i really didnt mind and the barman was clearly a decent chap, chatting to a couple of the locals in the other room. Had a York Guzzler and would look forward to another visit with relish

Deuchars, Tetlet and TT Landlord usually available along with draught imported beers. 2 bars plus an upstairs dinning area. #GBG 2008 listed#

North Riding Hotel official site, includes real ale list and menu - www.northridinghotel.co.uk

North Riding Hotel official site, includes real ale list and menu - www.northridinghotel.co.uk