Once upon a time the traditional British seaside holiday seemed to be in terminal decline. Sandcastles and donkeys were just for those who couldn’t afford anything better. But change is afoot and people are rediscovering the delights of the paddle, pier and prom, though this time around they want a bit of sophistication along with authenticity. Cue Lesley and David Humphreys, together responsible for the revival of a neglected corner of Scarborough’s former glories.

The Humphreys took over the running of the North Bay railway 18 months ago, and recently took on a 25 year lease. This encouraged them to invest in the project and this month they will be opening a new café and bistro, The Glasshouse, to go alongside the also new Station House café.

‘When we arrived’ Lesley explained, ‘there was just the tiny green hut, used as a ticket office.’ The new chalet-style buildings are impressive, with lots of outside seating, and give the whole area a lift. The Humphreys have also bought two new locos for the railway as well as new all-weather carriages. ‘We intend to be open all-year round, with the bistro in particular appealing to Scarborough people’ says Lesley.

The couple have long Scarborough connections and clearly relish being part of the revival of the town. They use local suppliers for everything from building work to food, and their site now includes the just-reopened Water Chute and boating lake that was part of Kinderland.

So get along to North Bay, have a ride out to Scalby Mills, a brisk walk and then back to the bistro; it could become the thing to do in Scarborough.

Roger Osborne

Café shop and trains: 10 to 4:30 £2.80 return trip
Café bistro 10 am to 11 pm www.glasshousebistro.com