The Cod & Lobster sits at the bottom of the quintessential historic fishing village of Staithes – a last line of defence against the ravages of the North Sea, and an absolute Yorkshire gem. The views over the harbour on a summer’s day make it feel like you could be somewhere on the Med.
That’s if the spot could be any more Yorkshire. You stroll past a souvenir gift shop along the cobbled streets before reaching the ancient pub and are greeted not by café tables and bronzed locals sipping spritzes, but by an ice cream van and red-faced Brits walking their dogs.
The pub has stood for over a hundred years, with previous versions of the same name claimed by fierce storms. It boasts classic pub fare with plenty of seafood, as you’d expect by the coast. A popular choice among visitors is the huge pot of mussels, alongside other favourites like lobster, monkfish, and their signature dish: oven-baked cod on a bed of potato rosti, wilted spinach, and samphire, topped with half a lobster.
We opted for a classic fish and chips and a lasagne – both of which went down a treat. I usually stick to getting fish and chips from a chippy, as pubs can be a bit hit and miss. But the fish here was fantastic – the batter crisp and golden, just how I like it. And while nothing truly beats proper chippy chips, these were a delight too. For those like my partner who aren’t big on fish, the lasagne is a great shout. She thoroughly enjoyed it – and was impressed by the generous portion.
On tap, the pub offers a selection of classic Yorkshire beers, which is always good to see. But, visiting on one of the hottest days of the year, I had to go for a crisp, cold lager – and the combination of that and the cliffside views was nothing short of perfect. The place was busy, but that only added to the atmosphere. In fact, it was seeing the generous portion of fish and chips on another table that made my decision for me. And it’s one I didn’t regret.
It’s always a win when a pub with stunning views also delivers on food. We’ll definitely be back to try the mussels – and spend a bit more, no doubt. We always say our happy place is by the sea, and with spots like this, it’s tempting to pack up, sell the house, and make the move for good.
Check out our visit to The Cod & Lobster, Staithes, below:
Cod & Lobster, 61 High St, Staithes, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 5BH
Read More: 12 Of The Best Fish & Chips On The Yorkshire Coast
