During our many Whitby trips, we’ve walked past Sanders Yard Bistro on Church Street countless times. On our latest trip to the North Yorkshire coastal town, we decided it was finally time to visit Sanders Yard Bistro for breakfast.
What drew me to Sanders Yard Bistro was the menu — it caters properly for vegans, which is rarer than it should be in Whitby breakfast spots. Most places either have nothing plant-based at all, or offer one sad option that turns out to contain eggs. Sanders Yard actually thought about it, which is the main reason it made the list.
About Sanders Yard Bistro Whitby
Sanders Yard Bistro is a family-owned business that’s been part of Whitby since 1998. What started as accommodation has grown to include this beloved bistro and coffee shop, tucked away off the cobbled streets of Church Street in the heart of Whitby’s Old Town.
What Makes Sanders Yard Bistro Special:
- Location: Hidden away off Church Street (you walk through a passageway – it’s easy to miss!)
- Locally Sourced: They use locally sourced ingredients to ensure fresh, carefully cooked food
- Dietary Requirements: Excellent options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diets
- Family-Run: Owned and operated by Becca and Ian since 1998
- Dog-Friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome
- Accommodation: They also offer four guest rooms and three holiday cottages upstairs
Opening Times (2026):
- Breakfast starts at 9:00am (previously 9:15am)
- Open throughout the day for morning coffee, lunches, and afternoon tea
- Check their website or call ahead for current hours: 01947 600200
The bistro has become a firm favourite with both locals and visitors, consistently praised on TripAdvisor for its friendly staff, cosy atmosphere, and excellent food.
A Quaint Setting for Breakfast at Sanders Yard Whitby
Walking up to Sanders Yard Bistro, you’ll be greeted by its charming white exterior, which has a rustic and welcoming vibe with fairy lights and outdoor seating. The bistro is accessed through a small passageway off Church Street – it’s one of those hidden gems you’d walk straight past if you didn’t know it was there.
The Atmosphere Inside: Step inside Sanders Yard Bistro and you’ll find a cosy and relaxed space adorned with exposed beams and wooden furniture. Large windows allow natural light to flood in, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is simple but charming – think rustic chic rather than fancy fine dining.
Outdoor Seating: The bistro’s small outdoor seating area is particularly lovely, nestled amidst lush greenery and festooned with flowers. During the warmer months, this courtyard provides a delightful spot for al fresco dining. It’s peaceful considering how close you are to the bustling Church Street – you really feel like you’ve discovered a secret courtyard.
The Vibe: Sanders Yard Whitby has that perfect balance of being cosy without feeling cramped, and relaxed without being sloppy. The staff are genuinely friendly (not just going through the motions), and the place has a lovely neighbourhood café feel despite being in the tourist heart of Whitby.
The Sanders Yard Bistro Menu
Sanders Yard Bistro prides itself on catering to all dietary preferences and requirements, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal. From vegetarians to vegans and those with gluten intolerances, there’s something for everyone on the Sanders Yard menu.
Breakfast Menu Highlights: Start your day off right with a delightful selection of breakfast options at Sanders Yard Whitby:
- Full English Breakfast: The classic with sausages, bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast
- Vegetarian Breakfast: Includes Quorn sausages, fried potatoes, free-range egg, mushrooms, tomato and baked beans with your choice of toast and preserves
- Vegan Breakfast: Falafel, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato and baked beans with your choice of toast and preserves (you can add extras like smashed avocado)
- Breakfast Bruschetta: Spiced smashed avocado, black pudding and poached eggs
- Scrambled Eggs: Various options including with smoked salmon
- Porridge: Healthier option for those who prefer something lighter
- Pancakes: For those with a sweet tooth
Brunch & Lunch Options: For those seeking a leisurely and indulgent brunch experience, Sanders Yard Bistro offers:
- Bottomless Brunch: Available for groups (check current availability and booking)
- Salmon dishes: Freshly prepared
- Sandwiches and Salads: Various options with different fillings
- Whitby Scampi: With tartare sauce – a local favourite
- Burgers: Flavourful options
- Mushroom Pate: For something different
Gluten-Free Options: Sanders Yard Bistro shows good awareness of gluten-free requirements. They mark their menu clearly and can adapt dishes – for example, they’ll make the smashed avocado with chilli and poached eggs on a gluten-free bread roll if requested.
What I Love About the Menu: Unlike many Whitby cafés, Sanders Yard Bistro actually thinks about vegan customers. They don’t just slap avocado on toast and call it a day – they’ve created proper vegan breakfast options with falafel, hash browns, and the option to add extras.
View the menu for yourself here.
The breakfast and brunch menu includes a full vegan breakfast (falafel, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato, baked beans, toast), a breakfast bruschetta with spiced smashed avocado, poached eggs and optional black pudding, classic full English, and lighter options like smashed avocado on toast. There are also sandwiches, salads, burgers, Whitby scampi, and a bottomless brunch option. The kids’ menu covers the basics — beans on toast, simple toasties. The drinks menu has everything from tea and coffee to milkshakes, cocktails, and local gin.
Sanders Yard Drinks Menu
You’ve got to have a drink to go with your meal, right? Sanders Yard Bistro has a great drinks menu that offers something for every taste and preference.
Hot Beverages:
- Proper coffee (not that weak filter coffee nonsense!)
- Various teas including Yorkshire tea (of course – we’re in Yorkshire!)
- Decaf options available
Cold Drinks:
- Milkshakes
- Soft drinks
- Fresh juices
Alcoholic Options:
- Beer selection
- Wine by the glass or bottle
- Gin cocktails
- Other spirits
What Reviewers Say: The drinks are consistently praised for being good value, and the coffee quality is frequently mentioned in reviews. People particularly appreciate that you can get proper barista-made coffee rather than just instant.
Rave Reviews from Delighted Diners
Sanders Yard Bistro has received consistent praise from both locals and visitors for its exceptional food, welcoming ambience, and attentive service.
What Recent Reviews Say (2025-2026):
The Food:
- “We visited for breakfast on the first morning of our stay in Whitby, planning to try other places throughout the week. But we loved it here so much, we ended up coming back every single morning!”
- “The scrambled eggs and spiced avocado were particular favourites”
- “The food was cooked to perfection and arrived piping hot”
- Consistently praised for generous portions and quality ingredients
The Staff:
- “Friendly professional staff”
- “Lovely, friendly staff – even our dog loved the place!”
- “They went above and beyond to help”
- The team at Sanders Yard Bistro are repeatedly mentioned as being genuinely welcoming and helpful
The Atmosphere:
- “A peaceful, welcoming spot”
- “Lovely little quaint bistro off the cobbles and through a passageway”
- “Cosy restaurant with a good range of breakfasts to suit everyone”
Dietary Accommodations: Visitors have expressed their appreciation for the accommodating nature of Sanders Yard Whitby, catering to various dietary needs with a diverse range of options:
- “Good range of gluten-free options and show good awareness”
- “Great options for vegetarians and vegans”
- “They were super accommodating” when adapting dishes for dietary requirements
The Cleanliness: The bistro’s commitment to cleanliness and hygiene standards has also been highlighted by reviewers, with many noting the spotless condition of the premises.
Overall Rating: Sanders Yard Bistro consistently ranks highly on TripAdvisor and other review sites, with many reviewers stating they “wouldn’t choose anywhere else” for breakfast in Whitby.
How to Find Sanders Yard Bistro Whitby
Sanders Yard Bistro is conveniently located at 95 Church Street in the heart of Whitby’s Old Town. Despite being right on Church Street, it’s surprisingly easy to miss because you access it through a passageway.
Finding It:
- Address: Sanders Yard, 95 Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4BH
- Phone: 01947 600200 (useful for bookings during peak times)
- Website: sandersyardbistro.co.uk
- Look for: A passageway leading off Church Street – the bistro is hidden away in a courtyard
Location Benefits: The central Old Town location of Sanders Yard Whitby makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. It’s:
- A short walk from Whitby Abbey
- Close to the beaches
- Surrounded by shops and other restaurants
- On the “Abbey side” of the river (the east side)
- About 100 yards from public car parks
Parking:
- Public car parks are approximately 100 yards away
- Pay & Display parking is very reasonable for Whitby
- No dedicated parking for the bistro itself
Instagram: @sandersyardbistro (worth checking for daily specials and seasonal offerings)
Our Breakfast At Sanders Yard
Sanders Yard Bistro opened for breakfast at 9:00am (note: they used to open at 9:15am but have moved to 9:00am). We arrived at about 9:20am and there were already a few people seated. It wasn’t long before all the seats were taken and people were eating in the al fresco dining area outside.
The Rush: Tables were full all through our time there, which tells you everything you need to know about how popular Sanders Yard Whitby is. I highly recommend getting there first thing in the morning or booking a table if you want to eat there during the peak tourist season. The bistro fills up quickly, especially during summer months and school holidays.
What We Ordered:
My Vegan Breakfast (£9.50ish): I ordered the vegan breakfast with a side of smashed avocado and a decaf tea. The vegan breakfast included:
- Falafel (proper crispy falafel, not sad soggy ones!)
- Hash brown
- Mushrooms
- Tomato
- Baked beans
- Your choice of toast and preserves
The smashed avocado was an extra £2-3 but absolutely worth it. It arrived beautifully presented with a good portion size.
My Husband’s Choice: He ordered the breakfast bruschetta with spiced smashed avocado, black pudding and poached eggs, plus normal tea. He absolutely loved it – the eggs were perfectly poached and the spiced avocado had a lovely kick to it without being overpowering.
For Our Little One: We ordered beans on toast, which is always a safe bet with young children. Simple, but done well.
The Service: The food didn’t take too long to arrive considering how busy they were. The service was good and the staff at Sanders Yard Bistro were lovely – patient with our toddler and helpful with recommendations.
The Food Quality: We all enjoyed our food. Everything was freshly cooked, arrived hot, and was well-presented. The portions were generous – I actually struggled to finish everything on my plate (and I’m not a small eater!).
The Only Gripe – The Brown Sauce Situation: I don’t know what it is about the brown sauce in Whitby, but I had this issue at Monks Haven Cafe too – they have these sachets of brown sauce from some random brand that are probably the worst I’ve ever tasted in my whole life. I’d rather buy HP sauce than eat that rubbish. It is genuinely not good!
If you like brown sauce, bring your own little bottle of HP. Seriously.
Would We Return? Absolutely. Despite the brown sauce tragedy, Sanders Yard Bistro serves one of the best breakfasts we’ve had in Whitby. The vegan options were genuinely good (not just token gestures), the atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were brilliant.
Sanders Yard Accommodation Whitby
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Whitby, Sanders Yard also offers accommodation right above the bistro. This is incredibly convenient if you want to roll out of bed and straight down to breakfast!
What’s Available:
- Four Guest Rooms: All with ensuite or private bathrooms
- Three Holiday Cottages: Self-catering options for longer stays or families
Room Features:
- Botham’s of Whitby biscuits (a lovely local touch!)
- Yorkshire tea in every room
- Clean and welcoming decor described as “quirky” and “homely”
- Some rooms are located in converted historic buildings like the Old Chocolate Shop
What Guests Say:
- “The place is nicer than my house and didn’t want to leave”
- “Spotlessly clean”
- “The shower in the master bedroom was fantastic”
- “Perfectly located in the centre of Whitby”
- Location rated 9.8/10 by couples on booking sites
Breakfast Discount: Guests staying at Sanders Yard accommodation receive a discount on breakfast at the bistro (though breakfast is not included in the room rate).
Note for Tall Guests: If you’re staying in one of the attic rooms, be aware that ceiling heights can be low – if you’re taller than 5’9″, you might bump your head!
Booking: Contact Sanders Yard directly or book through booking.com or other accommodation sites.
Book Your Table at Sanders Yard Bistro Today
Sanders Yard is a solid breakfast choice in Whitby — particularly if you want something a bit more interesting than a standard full English, or if you’re eating plant-based. Get there early. It fills up fast for good reason.
Sanders Yard Whitby has earned its reputation as one of the best breakfast spots in the coastal town. The fact that people return morning after morning during their Whitby holidays speaks volumes about the quality and consistency.
Why I’d Recommend Sanders Yard Bistro:
- Excellent vegan and vegetarian options (not just token gestures)
- Generous portions of quality food
- Genuinely friendly staff who care about your experience
- Lovely hidden courtyard setting
- Great value for money
- Dog-friendly atmosphere
- Accommodating to dietary requirements and special requests
My Tips:
- Arrive early (before 9:30am) or book ahead during peak season
- Try the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon – repeatedly praised in reviews
- Ask for the gluten-free options if needed – they’re very accommodating
- If you’re vegan, don’t miss the spiced avocado option
- Bring your own HP sauce if you’re particular about condiments (seriously!)
- Check out the accommodation upstairs if you need somewhere to stay
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to indulge in fresh, delicious food in a charming setting. Sanders Yard Bistro truly is a hidden gem just off the cobbled streets of Church Street. Book your table at Sanders Yard Whitby today – you won’t regret it.
Contact Details:
- Phone: 01947 600200
- Address: Sanders Yard, 95 Church Street, Whitby YO22 4BH
- Website: sandersyardbistro.co.uk
- Instagram: @sandersyardbistro
FAQs About Sanders Yard Bistro Whitby
Where is Sanders Yard Bistro in Whitby?
Sanders Yard Bistro is at 95 Church Street in Whitby’s Old Town, on the east side of the river. Church Street is the main street leading up through the old town towards the 199 steps and the abbey — you’ll pass it on the way up.
What time does Sanders Yard Bistro open for breakfast?
Breakfast at Sanders Yard Bistro opens at 9:15am. It fills up very quickly — we arrived at 9:20am and it was already getting busy. In peak season, arriving at opening or booking ahead is the safe option.
Does Sanders Yard Bistro cater for vegans?
Yes — and this is one of the main reasons to choose it over other Whitby breakfast spots. The vegan breakfast (falafel, hash brown, mushrooms, tomato, beans, toast) is a proper meal rather than an afterthought. Smashed avocado is also available as a side.
Do you need to book Sanders Yard Bistro?
Booking is strongly recommended during the summer season and at weekends. The bistro is small and fills up fast. Check sandersyardbistro.co.uk to book or call ahead.
Does Sanders Yard Bistro do a bottomless brunch?
Yes — a bottomless brunch option is available. Check their website for current details and pricing as this varies.
Looking for other places in Whitby to eat? Checkout:
Cosa Nostra Review
The Fisherman’s Wife Review
Abbey Wharf Review
White Horse and Griffin Review
Whitby Brewery Review
Magpie Cafe In Whitby Review