Stumble Inn, Scarborough

Some visitors to Scarborough get no further than the station: or rather, than the nearby Stumble Inn, a micropub that celebrates the art of the microbrewery.

The walls and ceiling of this tiny temple are crammed with an array of pump clips (the labels attached to beer handles). This intoxicating collection has been built up thanks to the Stumble Inn’s policy of ordering five different beers every week.

The offering when I called encompassed Petham Cross, a citric refresher from Bingley; Saltwick Nab (“mahogany, toffee, moreish”) and Abbey Blonde (“dry, malty”), both from Whitby; and S’more Porter from the Three Brothers Brewing Co in Stockton-on-Tees, rather dauntingly described as “a rich marshmallow porter with a smooth, roasted chocolate finish”.

“Sometimes porter can be a bit sharp, but that’s really sweet,” said one clued-up customer (they tend to be knowledgable at the Stumble Inn). “Very chocolatey.”

“Not too marshmallowy, I hope,” said Alex, the bartender.

Noting my hesitation, a neighbour at the bar kindly passed me his pint of a Halifax beer called Stod Fold Blonde, saying: “Have a taste if you like.” It perfectly fulfilled the pump clip summary: “Refreshing, hoppy, pale.”

The Stumble Inn was the first micropub in Scarborough when it opened in December 2014. “Our founder, Michelle, who has now moved on, ensured that customers came first, and we’ve continued that tradition,” said Alex. “We’ve developed a close link with our regulars. That’s why we’re successful.”

This well-intentioned PR job provoked a certain amount of barracking at the bar. “Speak for yourself.”

“Just wait until Big Bart comes in.” Since Big Bart did not make an appearance, Alex continued: “For better or worse, you’ve got to talk to everyone in here whether you want to or not.”

Occasionally, one of the five weekly beers will get no takers. “Bog-standard session ale just doesn’t work here. Our customers are very discerning. Mind you, there can be exceptions. Someone once complained that his cider tasted of apples.”

Christopher Hirst

59 Westborough, Scarborough YO11 1TS 07837 716774; stumbleinnmicropub. weebly.com