However my sister and I recently struck it lucky at Robin Hood’s Bay, and although windy, the temperature felt almost springlike. At one point, it was just about warm enough to sunbathe in only two layers of clothing. Remarkable.
Having planned to walk to Whitby along the glorious Cleveland Way on the Sunday for fish and chips, we were in need of somewhere for tea on the Saturday evening, and a friend in the know recommended Brambles Bistro in the heart of the village.
The independent, family-run steakhouse and bistro sits in one of the village’s many quirky historic buildings dating back to its days as a thriving fishing port and haven for smugglers.
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Brambles Bistro in the heart of Robin Hood’s Bay
Information in the menu, and displayed on the walls of the cosy interior, explain the premises date back to about 1676 and for many years served as a community bakery, as well as a family home. Village children passing on the way to school would apparently watch as the baker used a ten foot long spade-like tool to place baking tins in the ovens. At weekends, for a few coins, he would help with meals for the villagers, as many did not have their own cookers.
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Inside the historic Brambles Bistro – formerly the village bakery
This warm-hearted heritage was matched by the friendly welcome as we were shown to a corner table in one of the small, low-ceilinged dining areas.
Even though the menu reflects its billing as a steakhouse, there are quite a few seafood options, and it would have been wrong to go fully in on the meat, given just how close we were to the coast.
So for a starter, Claire and I shared a portion of calamari (£10.50). It was served with chipotle aioli – delicately flavoured, it added a little heat without overpowering the tender calamari. The batter was excellent – light and crispy, giving way to a firm, but not chewy interior. A great opener.
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The calamari starter came with chipotle aioli
The main menu is a combination of “classics,” burgers and steaks. Classics include fish and chips (£17.95), scampi (£18.95), roasted rump of lamb (£26.95), falafel salad bowl (£16.95) and goats cheese quiche (£16.95), while for the burgers, there is a choice of six ranging in price from £16.95 for the house burger to £21.95 for the “signature” steak burger, described as “an all-out tribute to beef”.
Having seen a beautiful steak come out to a neighbouring table, I decided to sample one for myself, and went for the 10oz flat iron (£24.95), served with rosemary fries, chargrilled tomato and the Brambles’ “famous” onion loaf.
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The flat iron steak, coated in melting garlic butter
I was intrigued by the loaf, but I wouldn’t say what arrived was particularly loaf-like. It was more an onion squiggle – a loose-ish bundle of finely sliced, crispy, battered onion. Much more interesting than a boring old onion ring and a great companion to the main event – the steak. Cooked a perfect medium, it cut beautifully and genuinely melted in the mouth. The rosemary fries were nicely seasoned (a chunkier chip would have been too filling) and the side salad added a lovely touch of freshness.
Claire opted for the Yorkshire lamb kofta – an open flatbread served with a baby leaf salad, coriander hummus and a mountain of fries. It came sprinkled with vibrant pomegranate seeds and was as tasty as it was well presented. The lamb pretty much fell off the skewers, and was perfectly complimented by the sharp, earthy hummus. The overall effect was a kind-of lightness that matched the mild temperatures outside.
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The lamb kofta at Brambles Bistro – hidden underneath is a mountain of fries
Desserts were tempting – a lemon and Prosecco sorbet (£9) caught the eye – but would have been unwise. We were just nicely full so instead had another drink while soaking in more of the mellow atmosphere.
The service throughout was faultless – even though we knew there was a time limit on our table as we were an early booking, we never at any stage felt like we were being rushed through. The team were just the right combination of attentive, efficient, and friendly.
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Brambles Bistro in Robin Hood’s Bay is a stone’s throw from the sea
The bill, with a glass of wine each, came to £68.40, good value we felt given the homely surroundings, quality of service and how much we enjoyed our meal.
We paid up and wandered the few yards down to the sea to stretch our legs, as the lights of the bistro twinkled behind us. Having thoroughly appreciated the evening menu, the next time we’re in the area, we’ll be sure to pay a visit for breakfast or lunch to this gem of a venue.
Brambles Bistro,
The Dock, Robin Hoods Bay, North Yorkshire, YO22 4SH.
01947 880094
www.bramblesbistro.co.uk
Open Wednesdays 11am to late, Thursdays to Sundays 9.30am to late. Closed Monday-Tuesday.
Booking recommended for evening tables.
Ratings (out of ten): Surroundings 9 Food quality 9 Value for money 9 Service 10
