Royal Oak Hotel, Great Ayton

Whether drinking, eating, or both, a warm welcome is extended to locals and visitors alike at this superb family run, extensive 18th century Grade II listed building and former coaching inn, where there are separate entrances to the public bar and the rest of the pub. As equally famed for its four beers, as well as its food, breakfasts are served alongside lunch and dinner. Watch out for the various offers available on food throughout different days of the week. There is even a take-away service. Occasional live music nights. An enclosed courtyard to the rear, a large upstairs function room and four en-suite bedrooms are also all available. Regular buses - 2 an hour in each direction. The pub is at the heart of village life. As well as having pensioners' specials on Mondays, the pub also hosts meetings of the Round Table, the Inner Wheel and the 41 Club; the Tennis Club, the Drama Group, the Knitting Group, the Scouts and the Sword Dancers; the Parish Council, the Local Tourist Office, the Twinning Association, the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum and the Conservative Ladies Lunch group, and last, but not least, the pub also hosts meetings for the worshipers at Christ Church.