IT’S all very familiar but there’s a nagging feeling that something’s amiss.
We’ve gone off our normal beaten track and headed for a much-loved coastal favourite. But what the heck is it that’s not quite right with Whitby?
Sure, the famous old abbey is still there.
The harbour is still packed with a mix of fishing boats and pleasure craft offering sightseeing trips.
The neighbouring fish and chip shops are doing a roaring a trade as always.
And yes, there were more than a few goths.
So, what’s wrong? Then it hits us. The rain that is.
You see, on every other occasion we’ve found ourselves in this neck of the woods, the sun has shone.
It has frankly been ice cream weather. Today, the prospect of a cone sends a chill down the spine.
But we reckon there’s a silver lining to every cloud.
It’s perfect weather for a dash to a café for a lovely scone.
And just two minutes up a street from the harbour – on the other side of the river from the abbey – we find crackers on both fronts.
As we step inside Sherlock’s Coffee House it’s as if we’ve been transported on to the set of one of the great detective’s TV dramas.
Not the trendy, modern-day one mind you, more the traditional old period ones. More Jeremy Brett than Benedict Cumberbatch.
It’s like 221B Baker Street has been brought to life with dark panelling, floral wallpaper, antique furnishings, gilded mirrors and picture frames galore.
Instead of Mrs Hudson, a friendly girl ushers us through the back to a narrow room, lit by lamp.
Right, the game’s afoot.
The menu needs as close an investigation as one of the super-sleuth’s cases.
In the semi-darkness we just manage to avoid having to whip out a magnifying glass to detect scones and cakes aplenty.
And we certainly don’t need one when our choices arrive.
The scones are huge. Massive. Flippin’ enormous.
There’s not a moment to lose. We set about our Scone Spy detection with relish.
Well, actually with the plentiful jam and butter that have arrived on the tray.
Fruity, crumbly, simply sensational.
The cappuccino is warming and the hot chocolate almost over-flowing thanks to the plethora of mini marshmallows.
The loos are up a tiny, winding staircase – the café may not be that old but the building certainly is.
And up there too lies a bookcase-lined front room in which we half expect Holmes and Watson to be discussing the latest dastardly crime.
But there’s one mystery we can’t get to grips with before we leave – how did our tummy-filling fare cost only £7?
Warm Welcome 8/10 Location, location 8/10 Scone score 10/10
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