Step through the cobbled alleyway and into history: the White Horse and Griffin was first built in 1681 by Sir Hugh Cholmley as Whitby’s earliest coaching inn, welcoming travellers bound for York and London. It became a meeting place for explorers Captain James Cook and William Scoresby, later fell silent after the Second World War, and was lovingly restored over eleven years by local builder Stewart Perkins.
Today, its character lives on in ten individually styled rooms named after Whitby ships and skippers, with exposed beams, cast fireplaces and centuries-old timber panelling that speak to the building’s past. The restaurant has built its own reputation, drawing locals, travellers and the occasional celebrity with food rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Set in Whitby’s historic east side, the inn offers a front-row seat to the town’s maritime heritage, folklore and North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline. More than three centuries on, it continues to welcome guests much as it always has: with warmth, atmosphere and a sense of place that is unmistakably Whitby.
Food at the White Horse and Griffin is fresh, seasonal and proudly local, with a particular love for Whitby’s seafood. Upstairs, our restaurant provides an elegant yet relaxed setting for special occasions, while downstairs the bistro serves British classics in a lively, welcoming space. From anniversaries to casual suppers with friends, our focus is always on good cooking, friendly service and the kind of meals that make you want to linger a little longer.
Tucked away on Whitby’s historic East Side, our private dining room offers a beautiful setting for smaller weddings of up to 35 guests. With cobbled streets, the harbour and dramatic coastline just steps away, it’s perfect for unforgettable photographs. The space is entirely yours to decorate, while we quietly take care of the details — giving you freedom to shape the day and the reassurance of knowing we’ll be there when you need us.
For meetings with a difference, our historic inn offers a distinctive venue for up to 35 people in the heart of Whitby. We can tailor the day to suit your group — with or without meals and accommodation — and arrange activities from guided walks to sea fishing or seasonal shooting. With excellent links to York, Middlesbrough, Leeds, Hull and Guisborough, we’re perfectly placed for bringing people together in a setting that’s both practical and memorable.
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