The Old Horn Inn, Spennithorne

Don't miss the Whitby cod cooked with avocado or tomato and basil - it's good in batter too, but so delicious out of it!

27 Jul 2012 11:42

The Old Horn Inn, Spennithorne

I walked into the Old Horn a couple of weeks ago having spent some traumatic days visiting my Dad in hospital - I was staying at his house in Harmby just up the road. I had such a warm and generous welcome from Geoff and Di Forster, discovered some common ground (both having strong Whitby connections) and enjoyed their friendly hospitality for the next 4 nights. Thatcher's cider, various ales, excellent food cooked by Di (I had chicken breast with ham in a mild mustard sauce and my brother was speechless at the size of the enormous - and delicious - gammon steak that appeared in front of him.

The pub is clean and sparkling, the staff friendly and thoughtful and the landlord and landlady brilliant examples to all and sundry in the licensed trade. Good on you, the Old Horn, long may you flourish. I'll be back!

27 Jul 2012 11:40

The Gate Inn, Bryants Bottom

I had a drop of Weston's Ravishing Raspberry Cider in this cracking country pub the other day. They also have Thatcher's and Scrumpy Jack on tap, various Kopparbergs, Savanna, Henry Weston's 8.2%, Bulmers, Magners and when they could get it, the locally produced One Eyed Vince (candidate for best cider name this year!)

New owners Graham and Wendy are celebrating this old pub's traditions and character, building up the range of ales (currently IPA Reserve at 5.4%, London Pride, Sharp's Doombar and Abbot, but changing regularly), serving good pub grub at very fair prices and developing a great selection of wines (Prosecco too, hopefully). They hope to field 3 mens darts teams in the winter league and are looking for lady players. The garden is being revitalised, there are tables along the sunny terrace (well, it's been sunny this week anyway!) and we sat outside in the cool of the evening last night enjoying the light of a pretty candle lantern - nice touch, Graham!

Log fires in both bars for the winter. There's a positive buzz and spirit of optimism and generosity about the place - and that's very welcome in the licensed trade these days.

27 Jul 2012 11:35