Birch Hall Inn in Scarborough

Hidden away in the Esk Valley in the North York Moors national park is the beautiful hamlet of Beck Hole, home to the renowned mid 1800s Birch Hall Inn. Consisting of a tiny little bar room which is relatively unchanged since the 1930s, a little shop and a second small bar in the Victorian extension. Down a narrow passage are the rather vintage outdoor toilets and a large beer garden with views on the the river Esk and the bridge. This grade II listed pub is a charming slice of history, nostalgic and cosy. Mainly focused on local tourism, especially walkers passing through the area, they have quite limited opening hours so always worth checking if you plan to visit. Their house beer, humorously called Beckwatter, does strike some resemblance to the peat coloured river but thankfully tastes nothing like it. It was a lovely traditional Mild from Three Brothers Brewing which was a welcome refreshment after a good walk. It's cash only and no kids in the bar but there's plenty of spots outside to perch. I can imagine it's pretty busy there in summer so it was nice to visit on clement late winter's day. We'll definitely stop off again on future walks.

We have been coming here for many years now we now live in Whitby so often go to Goathland and walk down to Beck Hole Lovely homemade scone and tea for me and pint of cider for hubby dog friendly,lovely open fire very cosy on a miserable rainy day they have a lovely area at the back for summer days and a few seats on the front which catch the sun 🌞

Excellent warm and friendly reception as always at (imho) one of the best, unspoilt, hostelries in the country. Beckwatter and Beckhole butty hit the spot as ever. I do agree with an earlier review that the gents toilets could do with a refurb, but totally disagree with another bunch of whinging reviewers complaining about not being able to consume their own food and drink - for goodness sake it goes without saying - if you go to a pub you are expected to buy their food and drink. If you don't want to do this - go and have a picnic elsewhere!

Fabulous find mid walk. Brilliant pies, Fantastic beer. So good we went twice. Will definitely call on again next time in N. Yorkshire.

Best place i've ever visited, owned by two super great people, we can't wait to be back. My son, lucas (14), loved the Birch Hall and the interesting conversations created in such a unique place.

Cracking unspoilt proper North York Moors pub. Good beers, brilliant location. Hell, they'll even serve poncey southerners in electric vehicles.

Lovely beer rude landlord!!! Not very dog friendly. Also cash only !! Would have a lot more customers if a little friendlier !!!

After a great walk in from Goathland, through the woods, down to Mallyan Spout nothing beats the joy of quenching your thirst atThe Birch Hall Inn. We got there just as it opened, had a perfect pint outside in the sun, and bought some sweets next door (to give us energy for the walk back). The Landlady was charming and chatted to us about the pub and village history. A real gem of a pub, quintessentially British, and certainly hope to return again. I sincerely hope if the Birch Hall Inn ever gets new owners, that they keep this amazing little pub going for future generations of visitors and punters.

We walk Mallyan Spout every couple of years or so and we always stop at Birch Hall for a pint and snack afterwards. It’s a lovely place if a little unchanged. The menu never changes ( choice of 3 sandwiches, pork pie, scone or beer buttered cake ) but it’s still tasty. The beer is good and the beer garden is lovely with the worlds friendliest birds cadging for food. Marked it down from a 5 star as it’s still a cash only place which seems odd in 2023.

Took our children on a little walk from Goathland to 2 other lovely pubs ending at this one before we were going to walk back. However, there was a sign outside the pub door saying closed private function but the shop door said refreshments only and the door was open so we went in. The lady came out, (I use the term lady very loosely), and I asked if we could get a drink to sit on the front with as it did say refreshments only. She said no she’s only serving pie and peas to the private function and that ‘it does say that very clearly on the sign outside’, before walking off! Well actually no it doesn’t or we wouldn’t have come in. What a rude, obnoxious, horrible woman she was. How she works in the hospitality industry I do not know! Apparently ran the place for 40 years and gets an average of 10 customers a day according to a newspaper - well I’m sure she’d get a lot more if she improved her attitude and manner towards people! Avoid at all costs! Think she needs a man in her life!

One of the best pubs in the country, honestly. Beer kept to an excellent condition. The pub itself couldn't be in a more picturesque position. I personally basked in the sunny beer garden, with a pint of mild, listening to the babbling brook which runs alongside. Perfect. I had something to eat her too, I can't remember exactly what it was, but I remember enjoying it very much. Oh, and did I mention there is pic'n'mix! A gem of a pub. Visit!

Despite visiting Whitby regularly never knew of this place before. It's absolutely a must visit, so distinctive and unique Had a half pint of Black Sheep and pork pie and pickle. Lovely sitting in the sun out front. Local Blackbirds happy to look for any scraps from my pie

Can’t wait to go back - what a wonderful place this is, we haven’t stopped talking about it. It’s a proper pub - fabulous ale, including a home-brew served through the hatch into the most homely, heavenly bar. There’s a menu of simple, tasty food; Radfords’ cracking pork pies, Beckhole Butties and home-made buttered beer cake - sheer bliss. There were a couple of tables occupied when we called in for lunch and the arrival of nine walkers (all Yorkshiremen) filled the place - what a joy it was to be included in their conversations and banter, we had the best time. Go!

We visited the inn as an ancestor of my husband used to run it. Sadly it was closed on a Saturday which was surprising

Really old style with a 'hole in the wall' type bar which seats say 15 people on a busy day. They brew their own beer - Beckwatter - which is excellent. Heartily recommended

The Birch Hall Inn proved to be an inspired stop off on our way up to Whitby. As it was a saturday dinner time the pub was heaving and the interior is very cramped but the pub exudes a real sense of old fashioned camaraderie with everyone opening the door for one another and passing pints across from the small hole in the wall that functions as the service hatch. Luckily there was plenty of space in the beer garden which is vey picturesque with views of the adjacent beck and of the old steam engines chugging along the track across the way. Beware there are loads of particularly tame and opportunistic birds darting about the beer garden who instantly descend upon any dropped crumbs or piecemeal offerings. The food was basic and traditional but still very interesting. We opted for a Beckhole buttie (Cheddar cheese sandwiches), a home made fruit scone and buttered beer cake, after all who could resist two of lifes finest elements; beer and cake in one dish?. The house beer (Beckwater) is also a fantastically drinkable, dark malty ale.

We love this pub and have been visiting it regularly for 37 years. We are lucky to walk from our cottage along the Rail Trail from Grosmont to the Birch Hall Inn. An unspoilt traditional pub, olde world with a roaring fire in the cosy bar, simple but delicious food, real ale, sweet shop, beer garden and amazing hosts Glenys and Neil. No background music and always lovely people to meet and chat with. Dog friendly. Sometimes there are more dogs than humans and always a warm friendly atmosphere.

Wonderful pub in a picturesque hamlet. Great location to see the finale of the Goathland Plough Stotts dance displays.

This unique North Yorkshire village pub has atmosphere in abundance. Roaring fires and intimate small bars plus a sweet shop. It's an ideal resting and refreshing stop for walkers (and any dogs !). Only gripe was the house beer 'Beckwatter' seems to be made by a new brewery and tastes different to the classic ale it used to be.

My wife and I visited the Birch Hall Inn and had a lovely couple of drinks. The pub itself is very quaint and delightful. Well worth a visit.

This place has to be unique in the uk, in the small villiage of Beck Hole a pub with a difference, including a sweet shop inbetween the bars. I'm not going to spoil your surprise on entering the place, but if you fancy a little tipple and a butty with pork pie, drop in, meet the locals, there a friendley bunch.

I last visited this pub 30+ years ago and, quite frankly, the only thing that's changed are the prices. I like vintage and quaint but the wallpaper looks more decrepit than anything whilst the whole place needs a jolly good clean. Quirky service via the 'hole in the wall' is one thing but having one person doing all food and drinks leads to a 15 min queue to buy 2 pints. The same lady who took an order for the sandwich then went and made it - leaving the 'bar' unattended! And at £7.10 for a pint of cider and a pint of lime and soda was not rustic at all. Sitting outside the ambience wasn't improved by a local rather rudely telling some walkers not to eat their meagre rations in the vicinity of the pub. All in all it was just as scenic as ever but sadly lacking the charm, service or much semblance if value for money.

Must visit the off the old railway walk to Goathland, excellent pork pies and pickle. lovely landlady and a little gem of a pub. check the opening hours, half-day Monday, Closed Tuesday

Always call in at the Birch Hall Inn when walking in the area. A good pint is guaranteed. Have never been disappointed.

Old world pub in hidden valley. Riverside beer garden. Tiny pub with a great history & sweetshop included. Visit after a steam train ride & walk up through the woods to the high meadows or make a rocky scramble to find one of the waterfalls. God beer, friendly staff. A must visit!

Probably the tiniest bar in England, with a small serving hatch. Open fire on cold days.

Have been going here for many years and it is constantly good. Have visited at different times of the year including spending a whole day on the bar by the open fire one cold January. Fantastic little stop off when on one of the many walks through the area.

This place has been a firm favourite of mine for many years, and my recent visit has done nothing to change my view. Going beyond quirky, I have to think it is utterly unique. Where else have you ever seen a traditional sweet shop inside a pub? Menu is limited to pies and sandwiches but this only adds to the unpretentious honesty of the place. If you haven't been, you are missing a timewarp treat!

A proper pub, cosy bar area, excellent beer and homemade pork pies. Would definitely visit again if walking in the area.

Nice to return to the fabulous Birch Hall Inn for a lovely lunch. It’s charm is it’s simplicity and size, you cannot help but like this place. As others have said the Beck Hole Butties are delicious and the new Beckwatter beer is a cracking pint.

This is (sort of) midway when Walking along the old railway from Grosmont to Goathland.

Visited here at the start of May after a long circular walk of the Mallyan Spout Waterfall and was impressed.

Walked down the steep hill from Goathland for a nice drink after a long drive. Found the Inn very welcoming. Beer was excellent and so was the Gin! Asked if we could have a Stottie sandwich each and were pleasantly surprised at the lightness off the bread. Enjoyed this followed by another round of drinks and were sat outside enjoying the late afternoon sun before the steep hill climb back to Goathland.

We were staying in Goathland and decided to visit this local institution that we had read so much about. Neil and his wife were great and we had the best conversations with locals and other visitors at the pub. Neil also helped us with sights and suggestions, even directions when asked for. We were here for three evenings straight and would likely be back here again.

A small one roomed pub with great local beer and sandwiches served through a serving hatch. Check out the photos. Great hospitality and friendly service and try the beer cake with a cup of tea if you prefer

Approaching across the rolling moorland from the east, you suddenly descend a narrow and very steep (1 in 4) hill into a Rivendell-like hidden valley. Crossing over the North Yorkshire Steam Railway, the road levels out across a stone bridge over a rushing torrent, alongside which stands the Birch Hall Inn.

A very charming and quaint little pub. A warm and friendly welcome with a choice of local beers. The food looked delicious and value for money, although we didn't sample on this occasion. Please note it's cash only. We will definitely visit again when we're next in the area.

After walking from Goathland to Grosmont on the rail trail and then back we diverted to the pub for much needed beer refreshments! I also had a very nice pork pie followed by ‘Parkin’ courtesy of one of the locals who was in the small bar. It was busy vibrant fun atmosphere, great beer, friendly landlord and lady. Happy days!

This tiny but popular pub is a 'must do' when in the area and is ideally situated on the short walk from Goathland via Mallyon Spout. Situated in Beck Hole and also the local sweet shop, visitors are able to order a good selection of real ales and sandwiches / pies from a counter in the small bar area which offers shelter and warmth with a real fire during colder periods. Overall one of our favourite pubs, highly recommended.

Bad service, very rude staff Manager has no manners I truly have not one good word for this place and would not recommend to anybody

Bought two pints of beer when we stopped off here on a walk and were in the beer garden when the landlord came steaming out and went mental with a group of ladies on a charity walk who had also bought drinks from the pub for eating crisps and other snacks, he than proceeded to physically remove a drinks can from a mature lady and was very rude to her in the process - avoid this place if you are passing, not very pleasant at all.

Honestly in shock at the manner of who I assume to be the owner of this pub. Whilst on a charity walk this weekend we stopped at this pub, at minimum 30 of us and over 70 en route, at least 80% of which bought drinks from the pub (inevitably providing a lot of additional profit) after walking all day one group ate some crisps from their bag, who were very rudely told to put away, he then proceeded to storm towards a mature woman and harshly grabbed her arm, as she was holding a can, she proceeded to tell him she would empty it out before he snatched it away and responded very disrespectfully, understandable he didn't want food and drink not purchased on the premises to be consumed however his manner was completely unacceptable, would definitely avoid.

On the walk along the rail trail from Grosmont to Goathland. A super place for a refreshment stop - often most of the other customers are walkers also. Outside benches and seats and fabulous fresh local bread rolls . Highly recommended.

Called in again on our little walk from Goathland to Grosmont. Been here a few times and I still love it. It's a real step back in time. Not many places you can get served your beer through a hole in the wall from the sweet shop into the bar!

loved this place imagine 1953 and your in the pub this is the one great food great ale charming lady on the bar cant wait for my next visit still cant get my head round it never seen another pub like it and iv been in a few

We were travelling through to Whitby and thought we would detour through Goathland en route.

The reference to R and R is because of earlier postings.... but I gotta say this is probably the best pub of it's type anyway in the UK and by gum I've been to a few tha knows.

Popped in for a pint and some sweets! A lovely little pub with a welcoming atmosphere. Black Sheep on tap and a roaring fire for us and the dog to warm the feet! Well recommended

We were staying in Goathland with some friends who were giving us a whistle stop tour of the North Yorkshire Moors, they have been visiting this quaint little pub for years. The Owners were so friendly and helpful. We tried the Stotties with an assortment of fillings and their very own Beckwatter Beer. Stowford Press Cider on draft was fresh and Dog treats on the bar were appreciated by the 3 pups we had with us.

We have stayed in Goathland now many times over the last 20+ years and always planned to visited the Birch Inn but we have always been there at the wrong time. Well this time we maid it for lunch Time. Very simple food and menu but perfect. Local pork pie and pickle, cheese Beck Hole butty and ham Beck Hole butty washed down with a couple of pints of BrichHall Inn bitter. With beer cake to finish, a fruit cake where the fruit has been soaked overnight in beer. The Beck How butty is a large, soft, flat scone type bread roll. Lovely. The pub itself only holds a Max of 30 in two small bars separated by a sweet shop selling all the traditional favourites. Drinks in the public bar are served through a hatch with about four or five tables around a roaring open fire. The other bar has a more traditional counter and three tables, I think. Make the effort to go we will certainly make that effort again.

So quaint,when you walk into the bar its like going back in time The beer was good and the host very welcoming Well worth a visit

We’ve been visiting this pub on an irregular basis for about 30 years.

Wonderful hosts, great environment and a really relaxed atmosphere! Perfect stop off during a dog walk in the sunshine! Well worth a visit for anyone in Goathland or Beckhole!

Firstly I will start by saying I have been to this pub a few times with my friends and family, the reviews are right, it’s a quaint place, tiny bar space, quite dingy looking to be honest, but sitting outside in the sunshine with a drink is lovely.

Used this pub many times whilst walking in the area and have to admit I was a little taken aback by yesterdays events .

What a fabulous pub. It has everything - great beer, a short but fabulous pub menu - who can argue with sandwiches and pork pies in a great location. Best enjoyed walking between stations on the North York Railway. Also really friendly landlord and landlady. Great!

Very good beer, good sandwiches, and the beer garden was a refreshing place to enjoy both. Visited in 1983 and it's still the same in 2018.

This place is so quirky and out of the way with the two bars between a sweet shop. The landlord and his staff being his family are very friendly and offer local advice. The price of drinks are very reasonable and the sweets on offer were a treat.

I have been visiting this pub for well over 30 years and it is wonderful to see it has lost none of its quirky charm. A real hidden gem that is a must for anyone walking in the area. Enter, step back in time and savour. Outstanding and thank you for the memories.

We called in during a walk and enjoyed some of their beer made on the premises. Very holmely and comfortable.

A trip back in time to when pubs served the weary traveller (rather than being a lifestyle choice!). Don't expect a fancy pub, expect to enjoy a pint in a wonderful location (especially when the weather is nice). If walking the Grosmont Rail Trail, you can find it by following the "Beck Hole (accessible)" sign post .

This place needs to be seen. Such a breath of fresh air. Beers and food served through a hole in a wall. Brilliant!

Visited this pub, after viewing the waterfall, what a charming little place to stop at, dog friendly also, recommend a visit.

Together with my wife, our daughter and her partner I visited yesterday after doing the Goathland - Malyham Spout - Beck Hole circular walk, which is an excellent way of building up a thirst. I had a couple of pints of the Spring Fling from Rudgate Brewery which was well kept and very refreshing. The pub is tiny with a sweet shop sandwiched between two bars. They do sandwiches and pork pies which we may try on our next visit. I can't recommend this pub highly enough - if you like quiet, authentic, old fashioned places and good beer you shouldn't miss it if in the area.

We visited the Birch Hall inn for an evening drink after a walk and with the good weather were able to sit outside. The staff were friendly and welcoming and a good selection of drinks were on offer. Adjacent is a little shop which had all the essentials. We will happily return.

Not the sort of place that you'd expect to stumble upon, but I suspect that most visitors would know exactly what to expect with a CAMRA inventory-listed pub. It's everything that I was looking for, but probably not everybody's cup of tea. Nice, basic food (cobs or pie) and a great bit of banter with the locals, too!

my husband and I visited this pub in September last year. while we love the quirkiness and the location of it, we were shocked to be charged £1.80 for half a pint of blackcurrant and soda. My husband was driving.it would have been cheaper to have half a pint of beer. how does this encourage people not to drink and drive?

Sadly we didn’t get to experience this wonderful perfect fabulous etc pub, as when we arrived having walked from Goathland it was shut. We had taken the trouble to check the opening times but there was no one around and no notice on the door so we took our custom elsewhere (the Witching Post at Egton - excellent).

This was our second visit and it was as perfect as the first time. We sat outside in the sunshine, drank excellent beer and ate pork pies and cheese sandwiches. The idyllic location and traditional interior makes it a must visit. A big thanks to the wonderful owner who not only owns the best pub in England but also towed our car out of a very muddy verge!

What a gem of a pub. Ordered our beer through a hatch into the shop next door. Pie and pickles washed down with a half of the local ale. Just what we needed to revive us ahead of the pull up the incline. Jess out Collie was warmly welcomed and soon found herself a spot in front of the fire. Bit cold to enjoy the outdoor seating by the river - next time when the sun is shining x

We always enjoy visiting the Birch Hall Inn, when we are up on holiday on the Moors. To my shame, I see that I did not review it last year so I have to make amends now.

There’s nowhere like this. While I love pubs generally, this is one of my absolute favourites. The location is fabulous, in a really picturesque hamlet next to a bridge over a river. It’s also close to Goathland, Grosmont and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The pub itself is two very small bars with a sweet shop in between. It doesn’t get a lot better !

Very small and quirky pub with a good size beer garden. 2 very small rooms one with a roaring fire....

The Birch Hall Inn has long been a staple for our family to visit whenever we're in the area. Whether...

We headed for Beck Hole during a wet and windy walk on the railway trail hoping for warmth and sustenance...

A real gem, I always make a point of stopping off for a pie and a pint at the Birch...

Always make a point of visiting this remarkable pub whenever we're walking in the area. The beer is kept as...

My 2nd visit here in 20 years. Not the cosy, classic, unspoilt hidden away gem of a pub it used...

Staying in Goathland we, plus dogs, we were urged to visit this quaint old pub. "Birch Hole' is the name...

We did a beautiful walk and stopped here for a refreshment and a nice pork pie and pickle just what we needed, and brought some sweets to bring home, great little find!

Was recommended to visit by station staff at Goathland as we were walking back to Grosmont. Definitely worth stopping to see an authentic pub serving real ale. Enjoyed the pork pie and pickle for £2.50 and sat outside by the river where amazingly tame birds came to peck the crumbs off our table. Very enjoyable.

Una joya escondida. Mi pareja llegó aquí hace algunos años y quería mostrar este maravilloso pub para mí. Ha sido invariables durante muchos años y es maravilloso para sentarse en este salón virgen (sí, literalmente como una sala de estar muy viejo) las fotos que muestran la historia son geniales. Me encanta tener un pub como este cerca de mi casa. Nos sirvió un muchacho muy amable que estaba encantado de charlar. Por favor no t he cambiar esta maravilla desde el pasado

Sorry we didn't visit the pub but wanted to add in some info for Thomason Foss. Beautiful waterfall, difficult terrain to get down there. Husband enjoyed swimming even if it was a little cold. I wouldn't recommend for children, adults must be wearing appropriate footwear. Just a tad scary when the train comes past!!

Called here on our Gallon Walk and was disappointed with the attitude of the landlord. He thought I was leaving a gate open and was very rude towards me. In fact someone else was behind me and I was holding the gate waiting for them, this is called manners which quite clearly the man in question dosnt have. I know the country code as I am a warden who lives local. Don't tar all Gallon Walkers with the same brush.

As the title suggests, this was my second visit in 45 years and I thought I had lost this quaint pub. I had mentioned it to my partner a few times but never could remember exactly where it was. We stumbled upon it by accident so decided to pop in for a swift pint. It's a very pleasant pub and definitely worth a visit if you are in the vicinity.

I have visited the Birch Hall Inn many times over the past 25 years or more; I am pleased to that nothing has changed,the welcome,the food and the beer is 'spot on'The setting is just beside the Murk Esk Beck there is a secluded garden at the rear.My Wife and I visited it for the lovely 'Butties' three times in the week that we were staying in Whitby.

We headed to Birch Hall on the recommendation of the guy in The Waiting Room in Whitby. If you're into swanky dining in interior designed, could be anywhere establishments then stay away. If you like the real thing, a good pint and and a sandwich, a bit off the well trodden path to tourist destinations then this is the place for you. Friendly staff and a spot of how things used to be. Fabulous on every level, even the sun came out to play!

This is a a cosy pub of two tiny rooms, with a sweetshop in between. The decor is like it's been dressed for a scene in Heartbeat, which is filmed just up the road. The pork pies were ok, but nothing to write home about.

We called in to The Birch Hall Inn during a break in The North Yorkshire Moors and had a pint of their own brew called Beckwatter - Beckhole's Own Beer. Fantastic!The pub has a great lounge bar which really is like going back in time and the service is provided through a tiny hatch in the wall - from the also tiny shop next door. The bar itself is tiny too and I can imagine this on Christmas Eve with locals and laughter flowing out of the doors!The barman was very friendly and we were sorry to leave. Lovely setting and beer garden next to the beck and bridge.Heaven.

Saw the great reviews so planned our walk to end here...ruined our day. Whilst awaiting our ordered food and after having bought a very lot of drinks for our group, the owner was very rude in the way he told us not to eat our own food in the garden,,,we apologised and put away the crisps we gave the kids..they didn't want the very expensive pie or sandwiches we ordered for adults as they were only two to five yrs old. A few minutes later, he marched into the garden again and publicly told me off when I was not eating anything whatsoever! Embarrassing and mean considering our group had paid for many drinks ...2 cups tea cost £4.40, we left feeling they had ruined an otherwise delightful day. Those who had ordered food ate quickly and left whilst the rest of us decided not to eat there at all. So I can't agree with the other reviews..they do NOT like families or groups so think carefully before you go here.

Popped in with friends who live locally. Excellent old pub. Lots of character, good ale and very friendly staff. The pork pies are a must.

We were in Goathland last weekend for our regular get together with friends. We had lunch on the Friday, welcoming cosy fire and delicious pie and pickles.Called in for drinks on Saturday lunchtime. Great lively atmosphere, busy with drinkers and people eating.AmAn amazingly unique place which is a must to visit if visiting the area.

My family and I visited the Birch Hall to celebrate my mums 70th birthday. There were 13 in our group, including 2 children and 3 dogs. The staff made us feel very welcome and were very friendly and accommodating. They were even happy to let me leave some decorations to surprise my mum. I cannot thank them enough for making us feel so welcome and contributing to what was a superb day out.I will certainly return and not hesitate in recommending it to others.

Fine Ales, hot chocolate, pork pie and a sandwich, real fire and a sweet shop within. What more could you need when out on a winters walk with pals and teenagers. Thanks to the Landlord who opened up the 'second' bar as we had under 18s - we squeezed 11 of us in, just!A return visit after 20 years and nothing has changed and I was delighted. The only addition being a garden to the rear which will be fab in the summer.

Evening visit, bar was busy as might be expected, retired folk with their visitors showing off their local curiosity, 2 pints £ 7.50, accept the need to pay the overheads but considering the actual provision this is not attractive. You are perched in a dim small parlour with the patina of a century, squeezing as others get to the bar or go out, the landlord appears at the hatch when service is required, clearly different from a warm summer day but not for me worth repeating.

Absolutely love this little Gem, visited a few times but took our friends for their first visit yesterday after our walk to the Malayan Spout, loved the Cider followed by a walk back to Goathland enjoying a 1/4 bag of Anaseed balls and white chocolate mice from the shop, will be back soon.

There isn't much in Beck Hole, and even less in the Birch Hall Inn, but that's kind of the point. I've been visiting for many years, usually in October when it's just cold enough for a roaring fire, and often when it's wet and miserable outside. The Birch Hall Inn consists of two small bars, the one with the fire served through a small hatch in a wall on the other side of which is a small shop, and adjacent to another even smaller bar. Facilities are basic - everything looks like it has been there for a long long time, but again, that's kind of the point. The menu, such as it is, hasn't changed in years - Beck Hole butties with a choice of 3 or 4 fillings and a rather stingy pot of pickle, beer cake and pork pies, and that's about it. Beckwatter and Black Sheep beers are served - they could do with being a bit colder, but no matter. Coffee is also available. I have usually been in the Birch Hall Inn around lunchtime, when it often attracts walkers and their dogs, but it is used by locals as well. The pub is at its best when it is empty, a little haven of peace and quiet in a time warp. The landlord and landlady are friendly, but not intrusive despite the smallness of the bar area. This isn't the place to go if you want great food, a large range of beers and other drinks, or indeed anything other than an authentic experience of an old fashioned Yorkshire country pub. For that alone, it's worth the 300 mile journey every year.

Brilliant. It's like being in a time warp. Landlord ever so friendly and the setting is so perfect. Lovely time spent on the bench outside in the sun chatting to other customers- we were all repeat visitors and in love with the place. Can't beat the old fashioned sweets to go with our pints also. A gem.

What a fantastic pub to visit. The bar is served through a hatch and so small. A shop attached in the middle with a phone from the 1940's that works. Another bar at the end of the pub (yes split into 3) that will sit about 5 in total. Lovely beer garden and surroundings. A must visit if in the area.

Me and the wife had visited this pub after taking photos of water Ark Foss waterfall near by. We ordered food (sandwiches and pie/pickle) and drinks. We got talking to the landlord as he was interested in my wife being a photographer and what kind of photography she was into and actually showed us his campervan and places up in Scotland where hes stayed and chatted away to my wife for a good portion of the visit whilst we were there, this made us feel very welcome. The pub is small but quaint and has a nice beer garden outback right next to the river so makes a nice place for a stop off..i can recommend this place highly (unlike the pub further up -The Goathland Hotel which has obnoxious staff and the place is run down but expensive).