Walk into The Copper Horse and it is hard to imagine that you are not entering some theatrical pub in the heart of London's show-business spread. Fact is that if you were to translate The Horse by some Dr Who techniques to London theatreland, it would be mobbed.

There are wonderful brasserie touches, dark red velvet drapes, brass and gold, to which the background is a superb collection of theatre memorabilia of stage and screen going back to the 1950s. To find all this in a pretty village near Scarborough where the hint of the sea is never too far away, particularly when the wind is in the east, makes a first class pub restaurant into a rare find indeed.

Originally a farmhouse going back to the 17th century, The Copper Horse has plenty of room in which to expand, and outside its sturdy construction has a rugged charm that has been emphasised by a coat of white that shines spectrally in the North Yorkshire moonlight.

As they would certainly say in the locality there's not too much space give to 'fancy stuff', and meals follow a robust but well prepared and presented range of dishes that speak of England and its rich diversity of home grown ingredients. Look for smoked salmon set on a beetroot and potato rösti and finished with a lemon and dill dressing or for sheer pungency look no further than black pudding on garlic and thyme roasted field mushroom topped with prosciutto ham.

Excellent seafood is a pretty fair bet with Whitby not so far away and Copper Horse classic prawn cocktail served with Marie Rose or Bloody Mary dressing is more than likely to please. Pudding is another respected product of Yorkshire, and combined with slow roast brisket of beef served with onion gravy and horseradish mash represents a compelling dish for many.

Yorkshire could be said to be the spiritual home of Pollock and pea fishcakes, well supported by wilted spinach with a shellfish bisque and new potatoes, while the mouthwatering crispy roast duck does not pre-empt you attention. There are other dishes such as slow braised lamb shank set on mashed potato with minted gravy. Both are only too readily available at The Copper Horse. Or take a closer look at the harissa glazed chicken fillet served on honey roast squash and sweet potato.

Talking of which a well selected wine list hovers at your elbow, many with large or small glass options, all designed to march in hand with the menu.

Those looking for somewhere special to have their wedding breakfast, a family celebration or a corporate boondoggle will find a willing participant in the form of the team at The Horse who put together and manage the event according to the clients' wishes. From the wine to the final details, all can be taken care of efficiently and with discretion.

Their Website tells you more. Meanwhile note this delightful combination of theatre and good dining into your places for the future.