The Great Inns of Britain is delighted to announce that The White Horse and Griffin, Whitby, has become a member of this long-established collection of independently owned country and coastal inns.
Built in 1681, the White Horse & Griffin is situated in the heart of Whitby’s old town, just a stone’s throw from the foot of the famous 199 Abbey Steps. The White Horse & Griffin re-launched last year, following an extensive refurbishment programme. Charles Dickens famously stayed at the inn, which was also used as a meeting place for explorers Captain James Cook and William Scoresby who hired and fixed their crews from the building.
Flagged floors, exposed beams and brickwork, old wooden tables and flickering candles recall the past, but today the locally sourced food is both contemporary and cosmopolitan.
Ed Henebury, Owner of The White Horse and Griffin commented:
“We’re excited to be joining The Great Inns of Britain. It is an organisation whose values and standards we share whole-heartedly. The concept of sharing ideas and best practice whilst maintaining the character and individuality of each of the member inns is of enormous benefit to guest and innkeeper alike. We are thrilled to have joined the association, membership of which is by invitation of the current members and we’re looking forward to working with the other Great Inns’ Inn Keepers. Whilst times may have changed, there has always been a place for high quality, historic, independent inns which pride themselves on the quality of not just their food, drink and accommodation, but also their hospitality ““ a scarce commodity in larger multiples and chain hotels.”
Simon Heaton, Chair of The Great Inns of Britain commented:
“The second new member to join The Great Inns of Britain in 2014, we’re delighted that our membership continues to grow. The Inns are absolutely ‘in’ at the moment, as they continually beat restaurants to the top places in the leading guides. Here at Great Inns we have always championed excellent food and exceptional accommodation in an informal and friendly setting. The White Horse and Griffin embodies those principles and we are thrilled that they accepted our invitation to join.”
Located in the heart of Whitby’s historic old town, each of the rooms and the first floor private dining room are designated by name from well-known Whitby ships and skippers. All of the 10 double bedrooms are individual, have bags of character and are decorated in a simple, traditional style, with an emphasis placed on comfort. Family and twin rooms are also available.
The main restaurant is the oldest part of the building. It sets a historic tone and transports the visitor to a bygone world of explorers, press gangs and smugglers. Menus reflect the best of British cookery, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The inn’s proximity to the coast provides guests with a fantastic choice of fresh seafood, at the heart of the most imaginative menu in town. With a private dining room for up to 30 guests the inn is the perfect place for group celebrations. The Inn’s reputation for warm hospitality and relaxed, yet high quality dining has firmly placed it on the region’s culinary map and it has become a popular choice for those wishing to savour a relaxing weekend break or mid-week stay.
Its enviable location makes The White Horse and Griffin the perfect venue from which to explore both Whitby and the surrounding area.
The Great Inns of Britain is a unique collection of independent country and coastal inns offering a winning recipe of fabulous food, gorgeous rooms and glorious locations. Membership of the Great Inns of Britain is by invitation only from the existing members. The collection of independently owned Inns was first established in 1996 by Sir Thomas Ingilby, owner of The Boar’s Head in Ripley, North Yorkshire and the late Paul Whittome, former owner of The Hoste Arms at Burnham Market in Norfolk.
