The Hatless Heron, Church Street, Whitby

An unusually restrained and upmarket cafe-bar in cobbled streets below the Abbey, The Hatless Heron stands out from the cheap and cheerful fish and chip restaurants that predominate in Whitby. Rather than plastic seats and Formica table tops, the Hatless Heron has wooden and leather furniture. But this place isn't snobby or expensive. The attractive young staff are friendly and helpful, recommending free tap water above the pricey bottled variety, for example. There is a wide range of snacks available. The baked potatoes (£3.50), which come with the usual range of cheese and ham fillings and a reasonable side salad, washed down with one of the premium lagers on draught, make for a good-value lunch. 7/10