April 2025 by ian McLaren
Only went for food, prices suggested a professional chef and kitchen. !!
Food and drinks: Fish pie luke warm, when I told the waiter it was removed, no communication but returned a few minutes later, microwaves in so called professional kitchen is alive and well used.
Noteworthy details: Not dog friendly, out of season and showed to an empty room with zero atmosphere whereby the main restaurant had some other guests and atmosphere.
March 2025 by Helen Hubbers
Excellent food and service
March 2025 by Penny Mcwilliams
Came in for dinner as walk-ins on Saturday night. They were only able to offer us a table in the upstairs dining room, which was quiet, and with a real fire. We liked the traditional atmosphere as we were there for the Steampunk weekend.
Our main courses (mussels, and ragu of beef with tagliatelle) were excellent, the wine was reasonably priced, and the staff were friendly and helpful. Convenient for the rest of Whitby town sights
Nearby activities: Handy for the pedestrianised areas
Walkability: Close to town centre
Food and drinks: Excellent
March 2025 by chiara
Entered what we thought was a lovely old pub for dinner only for our experience to be ruined by an incredibly rude young waitress who made us feel unwelcome with everything we asked. We decided to leave after one drink.
February 2025 by Janice Middlemas
Stayed for 2 nights last weekend as a birthday treat, we have drank in the pub too many times to mention over the years but never stayed or ate there so I was looking forward to our visit.
I have to say when staying somewhere rather than just a having a drink in the bar you get a totally different perspective. There is info all around the pub about its history and it's renovation in the 80's and our impression was nothing else has been done in the last 40-odd years with regards to it's upkeep because everything looked like it needed either a good clean or needs to be replaced, every single soft furnishing was either stained or ripped with every cushion in the dining room being flat and dirty, in our room everything looked so very tired and in need of a thorough clean, our valance sheet was stained with something looking like rust we also had flat pillows and cushions, everything is just so worn and tired!! There was 1 double socket halfway up the window wall which was nowhere near either of the 2 big mirrors in the room, i had to balance my small make up mirror on the cable casing to see to do my hair!!
I'm not going to mention the food other than to avoid the evening menu, totally overpriced for what you get! The breakfast is OK but only luke warm with snotty fried eggs, the absolute best thing about brecky is the half a slice of very naughty fried bread, no cereals, fruit, porridge or toast & jam though.
Every member of staff we came across were very polite and professional but we have absolutely intention of returning even for just a drink.
February 2025 by OurTour Blog
Nipped in for Sunday lunch. Food was great except the beef was far too tough. We told the waitress who apologised and said she'd talk to the kitchen. She didn't return. The rest of the food was delicious and we were hungry so ate everything except the beef. We again told the waitress the beef wasn't edible (far too cooked maybe) and she again apologised. When we went to pay we were asked for the full amount so we asked for a discount. The chap headed off to the kitchen then reappeared and knocked a tenner off (appreciated). We'd go back, it's a lovely place, but they need to up their customer service a bit.
January 2025 by Bethany Jade x
We recently stayed at The White Horse and Griffin in Whitby, and it was certainly an experience to remember! The hotel is housed in a very old building, which gives it a lot of character and charm, though it?s clear that age has left its mark. While the structure is understandably not in the best condition, our room was clean, the bedding fresh, and we had a comfortable stay. There?s also a bit of a spooky reputation surrounding the place, and while we didn?t encounter any paranormal activity, I?ll admit I was half-expecting to!
Breakfast was a highlight for us ? we all opted for the full English, and the portions were generous and well-prepared. It was a great start to the day and set us up for exploring Whitby.
The only downside I?d mention is the smell in the bar area as you walk in. It had a bit of a musty, wet dog odor, which wasn?t the most pleasant. But given the age of the building, it?s something we could overlook. All in all, we had a lovely stay, and I?d definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quirky, historic spot in Whitby.
Rooms: Rooms were clean and spacious with a tv, drinks and clean bathroom.
Nearby activities: Lots of coffee shops,restaurants,pubs & bars to choose from.
Amusements, 199 Steps, Whitby Abbey.
Walkability: Right in the centre near all the shops/ bars and also a short walk away from the famous steps.
Food and drinks: Breakfast was nice but we didn't have an evening meal or lunch here.
January 2025 by Mark Ayres
Witnessed a young lady staff member verbally destroy a younger staff member called Matthew for accepting payment for a food order and registering it to the wrong table. The young lady staff member was bullying Matthew and commenting to customers about his mistake rudely about Matthew. Matthew went out the front to ?take a few minutes? and on his return was shouted at across the pub in front of customers ?you need to go out the back? and ?you need to ask me next time?. This made everyone feel very uncomfortable in the bar. This young female staff member then said to the rest of the staff in front of customers I finish in half an hour but I?ll be on the end of the phone in case HE!!!! messes up is bullying.
Witnessing this kind of unprofessional behaviour?shouting, belittling, and speaking negatively about a colleague in front of customers?can definitely leave a lasting negative impression. It?s particularly concerning that this treatment was so public and seemed to make others, including customers, uncomfortable.
In a hospitality setting, teamwork, respect, and professionalism are crucial for maintaining a positive environment for both staff and guests. No one should feel belittled or bullied, especially in front of others. The behaviour described does not align with what one would expect from a well-managed establishment, where staff should support each other to ensure smooth service and a pleasant experience for customers
January 2025 by Fionnulla Brooks
Came here for dinner last night. Steak very expensive for what it was (pretty tough and dry sirloin, £35), kids burger totally inedible. Would have been more forgiving had the service not been so awful; very abrupt and disinterested staff. Atmosphere was nice in the back room but the bar area was shockingly tomb like; cold and unwelcoming. I think if you?re pitching yourself in the bracket these guys are then you need to consider all the details that make a nice experience, a few candles and wooden tables doesn?t quite cut the mustard.
January 2025 by Elaine Horsley
On arrival we asked to check in at the bar and were told we would be seen to in a minute. Stood waiting for 20 minutes while the guy behind the bar just carried on serving people who were walking in off the street. Another chap appeared and started serving other people so again I asked if we could check in, I was told to hang on while he 'rounded someone up'. they both served the rest of the customers at the bar and then the same bloke said he would take us to our room. We stayed in the Bagatelle, definitely not for the faint hearted. I did take note when I booked about the stairs but you literally need climbing gear for the last flight!!. you quite literally pop up out of the bedroom floor and there's no safety barrier so I wouldn't advise wandering around with the lights off, I can't see how it's not a pretty serious safety issue!!.No loo roll or milk, the toilet seat was all stained the bathroom smelt of urine and the carpet was softer than the mattress. I have no doubt the staff are all probably overworked and underpaid but seriously we never saw one smile and one in particular was hard pushed to even speak. Waitresses were making remarks about diners who were 'whinging' when they came to the bar. When we handed the keys in as we left the guy never even looked up or spoke!!. Breakfast would have been lovely if it was hot...the plate was hot the food wasn't. overall 'What a shame'??. fantastic character pub in a prime location but I'm afraid on this occasion it's only the location that's carrying it. The management really needs to address the staff, they definitely don't look happy in their jobs and a little more TLC in the rooms wouldn't go amiss.
January 2025 by Mark Ayres
Witnessed a young lady staff member verbally destroy a younger staff member called Matthew for accepting payment for a food order and registering it to the wrong table. The young lady staff member was bullying Matthew and commenting to customers about his mistake rudely about Matthew. Matthew went out the front to ?take a few minutes? and on his return was shouted at across the pub in front of customers ?you need to go out the back? and ?you need to ask me next time?. This made everyone feel very uncomfortable in the bar. This young female staff member then said to the rest of the staff in front of customers I finish in half an hour but I?ll be on the end of the phone in case HE!!!! messes up is bullying.
Witnessing this kind of unprofessional behaviour?shouting, belittling, and speaking negatively about a colleague in front of customers?can definitely leave a lasting negative impression. It?s particularly concerning that this treatment was so public and seemed to make others, including customers, uncomfortable.
In a hospitality setting, teamwork, respect, and professionalism are crucial for maintaining a positive environment for both staff and guests. No one should feel belittled or bullied, especially in front of others. The behaviour described does not align with what one would expect from a well-managed establishment, where staff should support each other to ensure smooth service and a pleasant experience for customers
December 2024 by Mandy Beardshaw
Visited 1st December 2024 for our Christmas Sunday lunch, 3rd time we have visited. Unfortunately this year we was very disappointed!! (6 of us) Beef was tough, we had to use steak knives but still couldn't cut through, burnt yorkshire puddings and roast potatoes. Vegetables and gravy were fine. Unfortunately the meal wasn't hot enough, plates not warm either. Not sure if a new chef? We had a drink in the wine bar opposite then no word of a lie got some chips and hate chips butties back at our accommodation. Service was excellent (a young man, sorry didn't get his name but did his very best). Also with it been Christmas they was no decorations upstairs so no real ambience, also couldn't hear the music being played in the background. Don't think we will be back next year which is sad really because we have enjoyed the meal previous years.
Walkability: Accommodation near by
December 2024 by Mark Enright
Very old town filled with so much to do for everyone. Well worth a visit,if you haven't already explored whitby
December 2024 by m e Atkinson
Quite a shock when we went in as it's very dark,just went for a quick drink
December 2024 by Andy H
Popped in for a drink. A bit of a cold corridor and a bit disappointing on the ale front unless you like Taylors.
