Anvil Inn

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.