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A Scarborough Pub Wander: From Brewpubs to Micropubs
I started my Scarborough pub wander at North Riding Brew Pub, then called into The Black Swan Hotel and The Spa before heading to The Alma Inn. From there I stopped at Craft Bar and Brew + Bao, both great spots for a drink. Scholars Bar was next, followed by Cask & Keg and the welcoming Valley Bar. After crossing town I dropped into the cosy Stumble Inn and the tiny Edwin’s Home Brew Beer to try a few of their own brews. My final stop was BellyRub Bar, where I enjoyed a pint and a steak wrap before catching the train home. A brilliant day exploring Scarborough’s pubs.
Scarborough is one of Britain’s oldest seaside towns, with a story stretching back more than a thousand years. It began as a small Viking settlement around the 10th century, taking its name from a Norse leader called Thorgils Skarthi. In the 1100s a castle was built on the headland, helping the town grow as an important port and market. By the 1600s Scarborough had become famous for its spa waters, attracting visitors looking for health cures. The arrival of the railway in the 1800s turned it into a hugely popular holiday resort. Today Scarborough still blends its seaside charm with centuries of history.
North Riding Hotel
I started the day at North Riding Hotel. The North Riding Brew Pub in Scarborough has been part of the town’s pub scene since the mid-1800s. The building was originally known as the North Riding Hotel, a traditional inn that offered drinks and rooms for visitors not far from Peasholm Park. Over the years it settled into life as a well-known local pub. A big change came in 2011 when a small microbrewery was installed in the cellar and the first beer, Riding First, was brewed on site. Since then the pub has become a favourite for real ale fans, serving its own beers alongside guest ales while keeping the friendly feel of a proper Scarborough local.
Inside feels warm and welcoming, with plenty of character across a few distinct seating areas. Dark wooden floors run throughout, with sturdy tables, stools and traditional chairs spread around the room. One section curves around a set of tall windows with bench seating and small tables, while another area has a brick fireplace and larger tables that make a comfortable place to settle in with a group. A pool table sits nearby, adding to the relaxed pub feel. The long wooden bar is a focal point, lined with handpumps and shelves of bottles, with greenery hanging above the counter and chalkboards listing the beers. Framed pictures, certificates and bits of local detail decorate the walls, giving the pub a friendly and traditional atmosphere.
A great selection on the bar with 6 cask ales to choose from (some brewed on site), along with a brilliant selection of craft keg choices. I went for NZH 106 by North Riding Brew Pub, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
The Black Swan Hotel
A short walk back into town brought me to The Black Swan Hotel – Scarborough. The Black Swan Hotel on Queen Street has been part of Scarborough’s pub life since the late 1800s, during the years when the seaside town was growing rapidly with visitors arriving for holidays by train. Sitting close to the busy town centre, it became a handy stop for locals, workers and holidaymakers looking for a drink and somewhere to stay. For many years the pub was tied to the local Charles Rose & Co. brewery, which supplied beer to several pubs around Scarborough. Over time it developed into a small hotel with a bar, and today it continues as a friendly traditional local in the heart of town.
Inside feels warm and relaxed, with traditional wooden floors and a mix of seating arranged across a couple of cosy areas. Sturdy wooden tables and high-backed chairs sit by the windows, while another section has small round tables and bench seating that create comfortable corners for a drink and a chat. A dartboard on the wall and a television showing sport add to the classic pub feel, and colourful bunting strung across the ceiling gives the space a touch of character. Natural light from the windows brightens the room during the day, while the décor and familiar pub features make it an easy place to settle in with a pint.
On the bar Bass on handpull (although this wasn’t available when I visited), along with a selection of keg options.
The Spa
Another short walk brought me to an extra for the day to The Spa. The Spa on Victoria Road has long been part of Scarborough’s pub scene. Historically known as the Spa Hotel, it was once one of the town’s brewing pubs and, by the early 1900s, was recorded as the last pub in Scarborough still brewing its own beer, a tradition that ended in 1906. The building has remained a pub ever since, serving the surrounding streets for generations. Like many town locals, it has changed hands and been refurbished over the years. Recently taken over by new owners, the Spa continues its long role as a welcoming spot for drinks, conversation and catching up with friends.
Inside feels warm and relaxed, with a proper local pub feel. The curved wooden bar sits at the centre, with stools along the counter and plenty of space to settle in with a drink. Around the room are wooden tables and comfortable padded chairs, set on red tartan carpet that adds a cosy touch. Soft lighting, framed pictures and wall lamps keep things welcoming. One side opens into a games area with a pool table and fruit machine, while large front windows bring in plenty of daylight. It’s an easy, friendly space where people can chat, watch sport or enjoy a quiet pint.
On the bar a choice of 2 cask ales, along with a wide selection of keg options. I went for XB by Theakston, a classic bitter that’s smooth, malty and easy to drink.
The Alma Inn
Just down the road brought me to The Alma Inn. The Alma Inn at 1 Alma Parade stands in a three-storey building dating from around 1900, part of the development around Scarborough’s railway station at the turn of the 20th century. The premises has long operated as a public house, with the bar on the ground floor and living accommodation on the upper floors, a common layout for smaller town pubs of the period. Positioned just off the main shopping streets, it has served as a town-centre pub for many years. The Alma closed in May 2024 but later reopened under new ownership, continuing its role as a small Scarborough public house in the historic Alma Parade area.
Inside is arranged as two small rooms with a warm, traditional feel. Red patterned carpet and dark wood panelling give the place plenty of character, while old fireplaces and framed pictures add a sense of history. Red-topped tables and stools are set around the rooms, with bench seating along the walls and seats tucked beside the leaded windows. In the main room, a curved wooden bar runs along one side, lined with handpumps and glasses hanging above. Soft yellow lamps and the dark timber ceiling keep the lighting mellow, creating a comfortable, relaxed pub interior.
A great line up of 3 cask ales on the bar to select from, alongside a range of keg options. I went for Gold Medal by Linfit Brewery, a golden ale that’s light, crisp and easy to drink.
Craft Bar
Just around the corner brought me next to Craft Bar. The Craft Bar on Northway is one of the newer bars in Scarborough, opening around 2019 in a town-centre building close to the railway station and the Stephen Joseph Theatre. The street itself developed during the late 1800s and early 1900s as Scarborough expanded into a busy seaside resort, with shops and businesses appearing to serve visitors arriving by train. Being in such a central spot, this part of town has long been full of people coming and going. Before becoming Craft Bar, the unit was used as a retail shop, like many along Northway, before being given a new lease of life when it reopened as a bar in 2019.
Inside feels relaxed and welcoming with a bright, colourful look. Dark blue walls run through the room, decorated with framed pictures, chalkboards and a large mural of hops and barley. Long bench seating lines the walls, piled with patterned cushions, while small round tables and wooden chairs are spread across the floor. Warm hanging filament bulbs give a soft glow overhead. At the bar, a wooden backboard marked “Craft Taproom + Shop” sits behind a row of handpumps and taps, with shelves of bottles and glasses around it. Large front windows bring in plenty of daylight and look out onto Northway.
A fantastic warm welcome from Liza as soon as I arrived. Also met followers Paul and Suzie in here who I met up with again later on. On the bar a fantastic line up of 4 cask ales alongside a fantastic choice of craft keg options. There is a huge selection of cans and bottles in the fridge. I went for Black Bess by Brew York, a dark stout with rich roasted malt flavour and a smooth finish.
Brew + Bao
My next visit was to Brew + Bao. The Brew + Bao bar in Scarborough is a modern addition to the town’s pub scene. It opened on Friday 15 August 2025 on York Place, taking over the former Storm Bar building in the town centre. The venue is part of the Brew + Bao concept created by the York brewery Brew York, following earlier sites in places like Chapel Allerton and Knaresborough. The idea was to bring the brand’s mix of casual food and drinks to the Yorkshire coast. By opening in a well-known bar building on York Place, Brew + Bao added a fresh chapter to a spot that had already been part of Scarborough’s nightlife for years.
Inside, the space feels bright, modern and easy to settle into. Exposed brick pillars break up the room and lead the eye toward the bar, where a row of taps sits above white tiles with soft green lighting. Wooden floors run throughout, with sturdy tables paired with high stools and green upholstered chairs. Large windows at the front bring in plenty of daylight and look out onto the street. Screens show sport and menu boards, adding a bit of energy. Downstairs there’s a quieter area with more tables and a small lounge corner with leather sofas, making it a comfortable place to relax with food or drinks.
A choice of 2 cask ales on the bar along with a range of keg beers, mostly from Brew York. I went for Calmer Chameleon by Brew York, a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s soft and juicy.
Scholar’s Bar
Next was to Scholar’s Bar. The Scholars Bar on Somerset Terrace sits in a row of town-centre buildings that grew up during the late 19th century, when Scarborough was expanding rapidly as a popular seaside resort. This part of town developed with shops, businesses and entertainment venues to serve the growing number of visitors arriving by train. Like many properties in the busy centre, the building has had a variety of uses over the years before eventually becoming a bar. Scholars Bar opened here in 2005, bringing new life to the space. Since then it has become a familiar and friendly spot in the town centre, popular with both locals and visitors exploring Scarborough. Its reputation has also been recognised by CAMRA, with Scholars Bar named Scarborough CAMRA’s Town Pub of the Year in 2024, 2025 and again in 2026, completing a hat-trick of consecutive awards.
Inside has a warm and comfortable feel with a traditional pub layout centred around a long wooden bar. High stools and small round tables provide places to sit with a drink, while bench seating and tables are arranged toward the front of the room near the windows overlooking Somerset Terrace. The dark wood bar is a focal point, with handpumps along the counter and a large television screen above showing live sport. Framed football shirts, scarves and other sporting memorabilia decorate the walls, adding character and reflecting the bar’s sporting interests. Lighting is soft and slightly subdued, creating a cosy atmosphere in the evening, while during the day natural light filters in through the front windows. Small touches, including a turnstile repurposed as a table, add a bit of personality to the space.
It was fantastic meeting and chatting to Danny the owner in here. On the bar a huge range of options including 9 cask ales, a range of keg options and a huge cider offering. I went for Enigma by North Riding Brewery, a pale ale with bright fruity hop notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
The Cask & Keg
I headed over Valley Bridge and onto my next call to The Cask & Keg. The Cask & Keg on Cambridge Terrace in Scarborough stands in a large Victorian villa near Valley Bridge. The building became a pub in the 1970s when it opened as The Cask Inn, quickly growing into a well-known local spot. Over the years it built a reputation as a lively music pub and was home to the Scarborough Jazz Club for many years, drawing music lovers from across the town. After decades of trading, The Cask Inn closed in May 2025. Not long after, the building was refurbished and reopened as Cask & Keg, giving the old pub a fresh start while continuing its long link with Scarborough’s social life.
Inside Cask & Keg the interior feels smart, comfortable and thoughtfully arranged. Dark wooden floors and deep green panelling give the space a traditional pub character, while exposed brick and a substantial stone archway add plenty of texture and interest. Large bay windows bring in lots of natural light during the day, brightening seating areas that include leather sofas, armchairs and small wooden tables. There are also cosy booth-style seats set into panelled alcoves, along with a curved banquette around a pool table that creates a sociable corner of the room. Warm wall lights and hanging lamps provide soft lighting in the evenings, and the mix of seating areas makes it easy to settle in whether you’re visiting for a quiet drink or meeting friends.
A great warm welcome from Lily and Jodie when I arrived. On the bar a selection of 5 cask ales, one of which was their own brew from “Wise Owl Brewing”, alongside a selection of keg lines (with lots more to come). I went for Wise Owl Hazy Pale by Wise Owl Brewing Ltd, a hazy pale ale with soft citrus and tropical hop notes that’s smooth and juicy.
Valley Bar
Just down the road in brought me onto Valley Bar. The Valley Bar on Valley Road sits inside a large Victorian villa built in the late 1800s, when this part of Scarborough was growing as the seaside resort expanded. Streets around the valley filled with houses and guest accommodation for visitors arriving by train and heading to the South Bay. Over time the villa was adapted and eventually turned into a pub with rooms, giving the building a new role in the community. In recent years it has been run as a family-run pub for more than 20 years, welcoming both locals and visitors. Today the Valley Bar remains a friendly stop just a short walk from the seafront and town centre.
Inside the interior feels traditional, cosy and full of character. Wooden floors, warm-toned walls and a timber ceiling give the space a classic pub feel, while stained glass details and dark wood features add extra interest. Seating is arranged around the room with small round tables, stools and curved bench seating set into the bay windows at the front, where plenty of daylight comes in during the day. A fireplace with a television above it forms a focal point in one corner, and soft wall lights together with a chandelier-style fitting create warm lighting in the evenings. Overall it feels like a comfortable, well-loved local pub.
It was fantastic to meet Keith here who is a Scarborough Pub Historian. On the bar a selection of 5 cask ales, alongside a range of keg options. I went for Perfect Circle by Wensleydale Brewery, a pale ale with bright citrus hop flavour that’s crisp and refreshing.
Stumble Inn
Heading over the railway line brought me onto Stumble Inn. The Stumble Inn on Westborough in Scarborough opened in December 2014 and is known as the town’s first micropub. The small bar was created by converting a former accountancy office into a cosy drinking spot with a focus on simple conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. At the time it brought something a little different to Scarborough’s pub scene. Sitting just a short walk from the railway station and town centre, it soon became a handy stop for locals and visitors alike. Over the years the Stumble Inn has built a loyal following and remains a well-loved little pub in the heart of Scarborough.
Inside the space feels compact, cosy and characterful, very much in keeping with a traditional micropub. Wooden floors and simple bench seating are arranged around small round tables, while a narrow bar-style ledge with stools runs along the large front windows looking out onto Westborough. The walls are covered with colourful pump clips from different breweries, giving the room a lively and personal feel. Simple pendant bulbs hang from the ceiling, creating warm lighting in the evenings. Despite its small size, the layout works well and quickly fills with conversation, giving the pub a friendly and sociable atmosphere.
A fantastic warm welcome in here and bumped into Paul and Suzie again in here and visited the next bar with them also. On the bar a choice of 6 cask ales, along with a selection of keg options and a huge variety of ciders. I went for Pacific Islander by Milestone Brewery, a pale ale with tropical fruit and citrus hop notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
Edwins Home Brew Beer
An extra call into Edwins Home Brew Beer. Edwin’s Home Brew Beer opened in 2025 on Victoria Road in Scarborough, bringing a small independent brew pub to a building that had previously been a florist’s shop. Created as a compact micropub, the focus from the start has been on brewing beer on site and serving it fresh across the bar. Rather than stocking large brewery brands, Edwin’s centres its offer around its own small-batch beers made in a back-room brewing space. Since opening, it has added a new voice to Scarborough’s long brewing tradition, showing how small independent brewers continue to play a part in the town’s beer story today.
Inside feels small, warm and a little bit quirky in the nicest way. A compact bar with simple taps sits at the front, while shelves of glasses and a handwritten beer list keep things relaxed and unpretentious. Soft lighting from amber hanging lamps gives the room a cosy glow. Around the space are comfy chairs, a sofa and small round tables where people can settle with a drink. Decorative touches — mirrors, dried flowers and little ornaments — add a homely feel. It’s not a big place, but that’s part of the charm. People sit close, chat easily, and the whole room feels friendly and relaxed.
Dale was welcoming as soon as we arrived. She showed us her brewing setup in the back which was fantastic. A choice of 4 beers on the bar which all tasted delicious. Here I tried four beers by Edwins: Pineapple IPA (tropical and fruity), Blackcurrant Brownie Coffee Stout (rich, dark and sweet), Berry Milkshake (smooth and fruity), and their Lager (light and crisp).
BellyRub Bar and Eatery
My last call in Scarborough before the train home was to The BellyRub Bar and Eatery. BellyRub Beer opened on Victoria Road in Scarborough in December 2015. Created by Lynne and Steve, it began as a small craft beer bar and bottle shop at a time when modern craft beer was still finding its feet in the town. Word spread quickly among locals and visitors looking for something different from the traditional seaside pubs. Over the years the bar built a loyal following, helped by regular events, quizzes and a steady stream of changing beers from Yorkshire and further afield. Nearly a decade on, BellyRub remains a familiar stop for beer lovers exploring Scarborough’s growing independent beer scene.
Inside it feels small, cosy and welcoming. Fairy lights run around the windows and walls, giving the room a warm glow, especially as evening settles outside. Wooden tables and chairs are spread through the space, with people sitting over pints and chatting quietly. The front windows look out onto Victoria Road, adding a bit of street life to the room. A big chalkboard lists the keg beers and ciders, changing regularly. Pictures and little touches line the walls, while soft lighting keeps everything relaxed. It’s the sort of place where you can settle in, enjoy a good beer and happily stay longer than planned.
A great warm welcome when I arrived. 3 keg beers on the bar to choose from alongside fridges packed full of cans and bottles. Be sure to try the food as the steak wrap I got was absolutely delicious. I went for Small Beginnings by GlassHouse Beer Co., a pale ale with bright citrus and tropical hop notes that’s crisp and refreshing.
Micropub Adventures 