The Anchor Inn, Guisborough, North Yorks.

The market town of Guisborough lies nestled under the northern escarpment of the North Yorkshire Moors. We found a very good reason to tarry a while when we happened upon a delightful pub in Belmangate just outside the town centre. Belmangate leads directly up onto the moors and the Cleveland Way so the Anchor is well placed to serve thirsty hikers like us. However it is easy to miss as it is in a terrace of cottages with just the pub sign hinting at the delights inside.

The Anchor is a Sam Smiths tied pub which means that the normal protocols of drinking do not apply. If you want draught ale then it is Old Brewery bitter. No guest beers are served. If you want lager then it is Sam Smiths lager that you get. The upside of Sam Smiths pubs is the price. Bitter is £2 a pint, lager is £2.30. The result is that the pub is always busy.

The landlord is also very friendly and welcoming which must contribute to the popularity of the Anchor. The rooms are tiny with traditional seating round the walls and shelves packed with books. As with any good local pub we were soon engaged in conversation by the regulars including a retired steeplejack who claimed to be 81 but who looked as fit as a fiddle.

Anyone who is visiting Guisborough should seek out the Anchor Inn where they will find a warm welcome and cheap, well kept beer. The perfect combination.