The Copper Horse Seamer Review

The Copper Horse Seamer Review – North Yorkshire – Scarborough – Written by Sarah Cotterill, follow on Twitter and Instagram @scottnodot – 

The Copper Horse Seamer Review

In rural Seamer, a sleepy North Yorkshire village, just inland from Scarborough, you might not expect to find yourself dining next to photos of Diversity, Julian Clary and Amanda Holden. However, home to one of the HQ Collection, The Copper Horse is the unlikely museum for owner Nick Thomas’ theatre memorabilia. With its red velvet curtains and star-studded ceilings, locals enjoy putting the names to the faces that have graced the Scarborough Opera House, London Palladium and big screen, over a pint or two at the amply furnished copper bar. There’s no denying the decor is eclectic, the tables are covered in coins, a nod to the pubs’ namesake, a favourite racehorse of Scarborough bookmaker and England Rugby International, Leonard Price Stephens, landlord before the Thomas’ took over. Now glasses hung high in wire racks, are inspired by actors’ haunt – The Ivy in London, and Marylin Monroe greets you in the loos. Alongside the pub, Nick & Sandra have capitalised on this holiday spot, renting out self-catered accommodation in Seamer Village and nearby Scalby.

As we arrive at the Novello Cottage, it’s a gorgeous May evening, with seagulls squawking overhead. There’s parking at the pub and a private area next to the cottages too, which are in a little cul-de-sac right around the corner. As we check in, it feels a bit like getting keys to a new build, as everything is pristine, the staff making sure they keep on top of renovations so your stay is as amenable as possible. There’s a distinct grey theme, with silver birch and willow wallpaper feature walls, a high armed velour sofa with big plump cushions, fluffy throws and gingham headrests. The Novello has a master bedroom complete with ginormous king-sized bed, and two further bedrooms with singles for children, friends and relatives. I can imagine it’d be cool to book out a few of the cottages if you had a large group with you, able to pop over to your Aunty’s if you’re fed up of your Dad’s jokes next door. Indeed the super friendly Copper Horse team mentioned having a few regular families that book in year round. Welcome packs are available too, with everything you could possibly want (i.e milk, bacon and a bottle of wine!), but if you forget a few bits, there’s handily a little Eco supermarket opposite that do local eggs, fruit and veg.

Once stocked up with snacks, we had a little explore, hugely impressed by the bathrobes on the back of every door, Smart TV in every room, power shower and heated towel rail. There was even an umbrella by the front door, this is the British seaside after all! Leafing through the guest book – ‘well equipped’ keeps popping up; families happy to call it a real home away from home. You can see why they’re booked up for weeks at a time, as there really is everything you would need for a comfortable stay. Peeking in the drawers, they’ve even thought of the stuff you’d easily forget, like kitchen foil and tupperware for your picnics. If holidays mean whipping up a feast for your loved ones, there’s a selection of cookbooks, magnetic knife rack, pestle and mortar and a spotless gas hob. The yard out back means dining al fresco is hassle-free, and as we found, a real sun trap for relaxing with a drink in the evening. I imagine a few buckets and spades have dried off in the sunshine after a busy day of rock pooling.
The Copper Horse is ideally situated for excursions, with the coast on one side, and the North York Moors on the other. There’s a box of local attraction leaflets on the table, from cycling in Dalby Forest to fishing at Wykeham Lakes- there’s something for everyone. You’ll be entertained back at the cottage too, with a stack of board games for the children, and a cocktail making kit for the even bigger children. If you can’t be bothered to stick the oven on, you won’t be stuck for food over at The Copper Horse, where we enjoyed a fantastic three-course meal during our stay.

I was initially a little worried looking at the menu, as it reads pub grub on every level, the likes of Chicken Supreme sending alarm bells. However, I ate my prudishness as I drained the bowl of Roast Tomato, Chorizo and Chive Cream under the pile of plump mussels for my starter. Literal heaven. We had the other Special too, a tasty little Goats Cheese & Caramelised Onion Tart drizzled with Pesto – clearly homemade, as was the puff pastry base. The Pepper Crusted Rump Steak was tender, the Seabass Special, light and fresh, on a bed of ratatouille and smoky charred asparagus with proper well-cooked sweet potato wedges. We couldn’t fault it. We were stuffed. So stuffed that we nearly passed on pudding, but boy were we glad that we found a second wind. Chocolate Fondant and Cherry Sorbet was another “can I drain the sauce jug” moment, transported to my childhood as the popping candy on top fizzed in my mouth. Simple flavour combinations, but executed so well, and understandably, with some of the chef’s training under the Pipe & Glass’ James Mackenzie.

The Copper Horse totally ticks the family-friendly box, which perhaps calls for pub classics in a way, with four-legged family members catered for too. With gravy bones on the bar and six of the ten cottages suitable for pets, there’s no need to leave anyone at home. And, if there’s just the two of you, you won’t be lonely; the staff are relaxed and friendly, and there’s always Sooty and Sweep, Tich ’n’ Quackers or Orville to have a chat to on a shelf in one of the dining rooms.
Find out more about The Copper Horse or their sister venue The Plough at Scalby.
The Copper Horse
Main Street
Seamer
Scarborough
YO12 4RF
01723 862029
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The Copper Horse Seamer Review – North Yorkshire – Scarborough – Written by Sarah Cotterill, follow on Twitter and Instagram @scottnodot –