If you’re visiting Whitby and looking for a venue that blends local personality, quality food, craft beer and a bit of tucked-away charm, The ESK Vaults is worth your attention. I’ll take you through its location, atmosphere, menu and vibe — what makes it stand out, and what to keep in mind if you go.
Location & setting
The ESK Vaults is located at 5A Golden Lion Bank, Whitby YO21 3BS, United Kingdom.
Golden Lion Bank is a side street just off the town’s more obvious tourist arteries, which gives the bar a somewhat “hidden gem” feel. According to one review, it’s “up narrow staircases … look at first glance appears to be a disused cafe. Don’t let the off-beat appearance fool you – this is a legit pub.”
Because it’s not front-and-centre, arriving may require a bit more effort — climbing stairs, navigating a less obvious entrance — but that in itself adds to the character: you don’t feel like you’re just walking into “another high-street tourist bar”, you feel like you’ve discovered something local and authentic.
The upstairs bar with two levels is part of its charm. As one guest said:
“Nice little bar hidden away/upstairs. Whitby town centre across from the Golden Lion/Steep walkway … very good bar snacks and menu. Relaxing great music and comfortable.”
So, in short: location is central enough to be convenient, but off the beaten path enough to feel distinct.
Atmosphere & vibe
One of the strongest recurring themes in reviews is how The ESK Vaults manages to combine relaxed and informal with quality and care.
- The bar is described as “cosy and comfortable”, with background music (rock/metal in some mentions) but not so loud that you can’t talk.
- “Dog friendly” is also mentioned: one review noted they brought their dog and were given a biscuit for the dog. That’s a nice touch in a seaside town.
- The range of drinks is a standout: craft beers on tap, cans, less mainstream choices, interesting rotation, etc. One review:
“The beer choices are brilliant as is the food.”
- The setting’s two-level and upstairs nature gives it that tucked-away, “I found this” feel rather than a big chain or generic pub.
That said, some caveats: one reviewer noted the bar staff were a bit minimal in interaction (“One-word answers”). So while the overall vibe is very positive, don’t expect ultra-formal service — this is casual, local hospitality, which for most suits really well.
In terms of lighting, layout, comfort: reviews suggest it’s comfortable, enough room to sit and eat as well as drink. And the pizza/food side adds to the lounge/relaxed dining feel.
Menu & food
For many visitors, food is a major reason to go. The ESK Vaults is more than just a bar: it offers a food menu, with several items praised highly in reviews. Key notes:
- Pizza is frequently described as “legendary”. One Tripadvisor review:
“The stone baked pizza is legendary! Best pizza I’ve ever had and stacked with topping.” Tripadvisor
- Reviews also mention items like garlic dough balls, nachos, toasties, pulled-pork topped tortilla chips. For example:
“Pizza, garlic doughballs with dip … on a second visit we had pulled pork topped tortilla chips. Excellent!” Tripadvisor
- Food is described as homemade, fresh, good portions. One review:
“Food is amazing homemade good portion sizes… Really and really tasty.” Wanderlog
- There are also vegetarian and vegan option mentions: e.g., a vegan pizza (though one note: not vegan cheese). Wanderlog
In terms of value: many reviews praise the pricing for food (especially pizza) relative to town centre restaurants. For example:
“One between us and it was more than enough.” Tripadvisor
As with any venue, not all dishes are completely faultless: one reviewer said that the bar refused to modify a pizza (remove tomato base) for someone who requested it. But overall the food score is very high.
Drinks & craft beer focus
Unlike some bars which rely on standard lagers and mainstream beers, The ESK Vaults seems to have carved a niche for craft and interesting beers.
- One review: “If you like craft beer and cider this is the place.” Tripadvisor
- Another: “Excellent selection of beers not your average mainstream choice.”
- The venue serves 2/3-pint measures (rather than full pint) for some craft beers. One guest noted:
“They only serve 2/3 pint max, who knows why but the beer is varied.” Tripadvisor
- Vegan friendly craft beer options (for example from Vault City Ales) are also mentioned.
So if you’re interested in craft beer discovery, this venue is a strong pick. It may mean that prices per measure are higher (because craft, smaller serve) but many guests feel it’s worth it.
Value & price
Reviews consistently say that for the food, especially pizza, the value is very good. The drink side is more mixed: while guests appreciate the quality and variety, some feel the craft beer pricing is on the higher side. For example:
“Salt Brewery Jute session IPA was £4.60 for 2/3 of a pint. That’s the equivalent of an eye-watering £6.90 per pint … Ok if you’re just having a glass with your pizza, but a very expensive night if you’re coming out to a bar for a few beers.” Tripadvisor
So: food = good value, drinks = premium. Guests planning for a full evening of craft beers should be aware that the cost may accumulate.
What makes it stand out
Here’s a summary of what gives The ESK Vaults its “special place” in Whitby’s hospitality landscape:
- Hidden / tucked-away location – Being off the main street adds to the allure; you feel you’ve found something rather than wandered into a generic place.
- Quality of food – The pizza and small-plates get repeated shout-outs; in a town known for seafood and tourist menus, this adds diversity.
- Craft beer / interesting drink options – Not just the standard lagers; this venue caters well to beer enthusiasts or those wanting something a bit different.
- Relaxed atmosphere – Comfortable, informal vibe, dog friendly, music background, good for eating and drinking — rather than overwhelming lounge or club.
- Authentic independent feel – It’s not a chain; the staff, décor, layout all contribute to a local bar with character.
Best time to visit & tips
- Arrive a bit early: Because the venue is small-ish and tucked away, it may fill up, especially in peak seasons.
- Food + drink combo: If you’re going primarily for food, consider ordering early; the pizza menu is popular.
- Try the local craft beers: Take advantage of the less mainstream beer selection; ask staff about what’s on tap or in cans.
- Dog-friendly: If you have a canine companion, bring them — they seem welcome.
- Check hours: Opening times vary by day; for example, Sundays open at 16:00, Saturdays from midday.
- Stairs: There’s an “upstairs” entrance; if mobility is an issue, check accessibility ahead.
- If you’re budget conscious on drinks: Consider sharing a craft beer and focusing on food & a glass rather than multiple pints.
- Background music: While music is described as good, in the rock/metal genre by some, so if you prefer very quiet or conversation-only environments, pick earlier or quieter times.
- Vegan/vegetarian: There are some good options — the vegan pizza gets a mention — but as always with smaller bars check in if you have strict dietary requirements.
Who it’s ideal for
- Beer and craft-beer enthusiasts: If you enjoy discovering non-mainstream beers and don’t mind premium pricing.
- Food-loving visitors: If you want a quality pizza or nice bar meal in Whitby rather than purely fish & chips or seafood.
- Casual groups/friends: A relaxed evening of good food, good drink, good chat in a comfortable space.
- Dog owners visiting Whitby who want a welcoming bar.
- Visitors who appreciate small independent venues with character, away from the busiest tourist traps.
A few caveats
- Because of its tucked‐away nature, it might be less visible/easy to find for first-timers.
- Drinks are premium: craft beers might cost more than standard bars, and serve sizes may be smaller (2/3 pint).
- If you’re after a big full-meal menu or lots of courses, this venue is more bar-with-good-food than fine dining.
- Accessibility upstairs might be an issue for some; also seating may not be huge.
- As one reviewer said: staff hospitality was top overall, but a single comment about limited engagement (“one-word answers”) suggests service may vary.
Summary
In the vibrant hospitality scene of Whitby, The ESK Vaults offers a particular flavour: independent, comfortable, craft-drinks oriented, food-focused but in a relaxed bar setting. Whether you pop in for one drink and a slice of pizza, or stay for a few craft beers and nachos, you’ll likely appreciate the difference from more standard tourist venues.
If I were choosing just one spot in Whitby to take friends who appreciate good beer, good bar food, something a bit off the beaten path, The ESK Vaults would be a strong contender.
