The Plough Inn

Quiet when we visited but we have been several times before and sat in the beer garden with the dogs. Stayed inside this time (without dogs) and had a few games of pool. Good, reasonably priced beer and I particularly like the mild. Good old fashioned, no nonsense pub.

Lovely, well-kept local pub. Excellent SAM SMITHS Old Brewery Bitter on hand pump. No juke box and no television so ideal for meeting friends and having a quiet chat.

Always our first stop when we stay in Whitby. Friendly staff and welcoming log fire ! No phones or laptops!! ( Bliss????????) Great beers from Samuel Smith's brewery.

We come to Whitby several times a year and while here we always enjoy visiting the many different pubs on offer. We decided to try this one out for the first time. We were surprised on entering that it had a huge open fire on the go and was lovely and traditional looking inside (which we like) but also that it was literally empty, apart from one other customer (we later learned a regular) on getting a drink and returning to our seats we soon realised why. I had literally just checked my phone as I was waiting for an important message when the bar lady rushed over, rather abruptly, to say it was a mobile/electronic free pub and could I put it away. I then noticed a couple of small stickers on the walls around stating this, no electronic devices or children allowed, they didn’t stand out in fairness due to the Halloween decorations which were also on the walls. I can appreciate that they are trying to create something unique and although I might not agree with it, the decision is obviously theirs to make. What does make me sad is that I can’t see this pub staying open for much longer, during the current climate, it’s just not sustainable for them, the pub is clearly relying on those last few remaining locals and I’m sure one day the right chain will get it and make it what it should be again, a welcoming, happy environment. On a final note, I would strongly advise the landlord/landlady to put a larger version of these posters on the main door so that people can make an informed decision before even entering the building.

Staff members seemed to think customers are mind readers and could understand that an unlabelled staircase is for staff only. Had a member confront me with a rude, confrontational attitude and told me off for briefly walking up trying to figure out where I was. She spoke to me like it was obvious the stairs was not in use. The stairs are not labelled with an obvious marker, or at least I did not see one, and it was not chained off to indicate that it was for staff only and it was wide open in the middle for used. Unacceptable behaviour for such a little thing. Never again. There are plenty of other nice places in Whitby to go to for a drink or something to eat with a much more friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This place is not one of them.