Our Top Pick of the Local Pubs
We didn’t know about the Scarsdale Hotel when we first arrived, but we’re very glad we heard about it. Isaac was chatting with a colleague who mentioned it, and then later, while talking with Katie from Rustic Edge Café & Takeaway, we discovered the manager is actually her mother-in-law. Safe to say, it felt like a sign we needed to go.
We picked a Tuesday night, which turned out to be perfect timing. “Cheap Tuesday” means slightly discounted meals and drinks. Not that we planned it that way… but we weren’t complaining.
In true ‘us’ fashion, we got caught up with jobs around camp and nearly missed dinner service altogether. A quick call on the way, and thankfully they kept the kitchen open for us, one of those small gestures that really sticks with you. From Smythesdale Gardens, it’s only about a 6-minute drive, so we made it just in time.
From the outside, it’s pretty unassuming. But the moment you step inside, it feels like you’ve walked straight into a cosy English pub. Exposed brick walls, rich timber features, a beautiful old-style front bar, and a carpeted bistro tucked out the back. I can only imagine how perfect it would feel in the middle of winter with the fire going.
There’s a quiet, antique charm to the place, the kind that instantly makes you feel at ease. Honestly, it made me wish it was somewhere we could stay the night (I did ask… turns out the accommodation is reserved for staff and owners).
Isaac wasn’t in the best mood when we arrived (we can’t always be on the top of our game!), so I left him to settle in while I introduced myself to Janet, the manager, and Katie’s mother-in-law. We had a lovely chat about how we’d ended up there, a local couple on the other side of the bar even joined in! It just added to that welcoming, small-town feel.
That night we ordered the Reef & Beef (Steak with Creamy Prawns), and a Hawaiian Parmigiana. We didn’t really have to think too hard before fully committing and adding dessert, homemade mousse and sticky date pudding.
Everything was outstanding. And to top it off, the chef that evening was Janet’s daughter, which somehow made it all feel even more special.
By the time we left, Isaac was in a completely different mood: relaxed, happy, and very glad we made the effort to come.
Since then, we’ve been back MANY more times, working our way through the menu. The Reef & Beef remains a favourite of mine, but Isaac goes back the burger.
If you’re into darts, Thursday nights are the time to go. The local teams play and the place really comes alive. Otherwise, there’s a pool table available anytime, and we’ve heard they occasionally run competitions too.
It really does feel like a family-run place. Warm, welcoming, and the kind of pub you find yourself returning to again and again.
Of the three local pubs in the Smythesdale area, this is easily our number one pick, and we consider it a must-visit if you’re staying at Smythesdale Gardens.
One Final Visit…
Before leaving the region, we stopped in for one last meal and another chat with Janet. During that visit, she mentioned she was hoping to sell the pub and eventually move back to the UK, where she originally comes from.
I can’t remember exactly how long it had been since she’d lived there, but from memory, I’m fairly sure she said it had been decades.
We genuinely wish Janet all the very best with the sale and with whatever comes next.
And to whoever takes over… we only have one request: please don’t change too much too soon.
The Scarsdale Hotel already has something pretty special about it. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and it would be a shame to lose the charm that makes this place exactly what it is.
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