Anvil Inn
Main Street Sawdon North Yorks YO13 9DY
Classy inns with great food are few and far between in the environs of Scarborough, so it's no wonder the Anvil has a loyal following. The former blacksmiths' building is a beauty, set in the heart of a pretty village that's a tad off the beaten track. A cosy and welcoming bar – the original blacksmiths' shop – serves the pick of Yorkshire real ales, together with a decent selection of wines by the glass. Although you can just drop by for a drink (there's a small beer garden too), the bar acts more as a prelude to lunch or dinner in the beautifully lit, rustic-chic dining room. The menu is big on seasonal Yorkshire produce with gutsy flavours – like Whitby crab with samphire, honey-roast vension with braised Puy lentils, or a locally sourced rib-eye steak with melted Yorkshire Blue cheese. Lunch is a smaller, more bistro-like selection from the menu plus soup and fancy sandwiches, and service and ambience is friendly and relaxed. A word of warning – don't turn up on spec if you want to eat. Reservations are essential, and might even be needed a week or two ahead.
