CASTLETON, in the midst of the North York Moors was once the thriving centre of the ironstone mining industry. Today, very little remains to remind us of its once industrious past, however it is still a busy village and is popular with walkers and cyclists.

It is a village of two halves, with the Eskdale Inn, a smattering of houses and the railway station at the bottom of a hill, rising to the other half, where the majority of houses lie, plus The Downe Arms Inn, Co-op store and tearoom.

Due to a road closure at the railway bridge as you enter the lower part of the village from the north, we had to take a detour through Danby to reach it. The signs said the road is expected to remain closed until April.

Castleton also lies close to the giant ‘Seated Man’ – the Jeremy Corbyn look-a-like sculpture that has been temporarily placed on top of Castleton Rigg.

Calling into the Old Chapel Tearoom on Sunday, we noticed that it is run by the same owners who previously at the helm of the former, rather old-fashioned and chintzy Castleton tearooms as you came into the village. It doesn't have a car park, so parking is on the street outside.

The reincarnation is housed in a former Methodist chapel, with a few cards and other nick-knacks for sale as you walk in. The chapel has been neutrally decorated and furnished with wrought iron and dark wood furniture.

It also boasts a balcony with outside seating and tables in order to take in the stunning views across Danby Dale. Since it was such an incredibly warm day for February, we opted sit outside to enjoy the view. Tucked away on the corner of the balcony are the family’s Giant Lop rabbits, which keep you entertained.

The menu consists of largely traditional English food, including English Breakfast (available all day), Jacket Potato (£5.25) Corned Beef Hash Pie (£5.95), Gammon Steak (£7.95), Sandwiches or Panini and Afternoon Tea.

I opted for the Afternoon Tea, which for £7.25 seemed to be a bargain, whereas Mark chose the English Breakfast (£5.50) despite it being a late lunch, rather than breakfast time.

My tea arrived quickly as did the Mocha (£2.75) that Mark opted for. You can’t really go wrong with a cup of tea, especially when its Yorkshire, whereas Mark has tasted some very strange interpretations of a Mocha over the years. This one he declared was a good mix of coffee and chocolate, wasn’t too bitter or in need of extra sugar.

My Afternoon Tea arrived in the form of a plate of sandwiches cut into triangles and a fruit scone. Betty’s this ain’t. There’s no dainty tiered cake stand or finger sandwiches, but what you do get is generously filled, triangle-cut, white and brown sandwiches of egg mayo, cheese, chunks of ham and chicken, plus a small basic salad on the side and dollop of coleslaw. The ham was what I’d call proper cooked ham, not the slimy stuff out of a packet and the chicken tasted like it had been freshly roasted rather than the cooked chicken slices you’d get from a supermarket. The bread, soft and fresh, however, probably came from the Co-op over the road.

My scone arrived shortly after, already smothered with strawberry jam and whipped cream, then put back together. While it wasn’t warm, it was freshly made. Sometimes I find that scones can be a bit dry, but this was a perfectly good fruit scone with just the right smattering of sultanas and very filling.

Whilst it may not have been the visual delight you usually get with afternoon tea, it was good honest food with no frills.

Mark’s freshly cooked breakfast also included a slice of fried bread, not often seen in this health-conscious age (black pudding and hash browns were an additional option at 95p each). The bacon was cooked just how he likes it (crispy) and he polished off everything with no complaints. "One of the best breakfasts I’ve had," he said.

Feeling pretty stuffed, he decided there was no room for dessert, just another Mocha (it was that good).

Service was swift and pleasant by the young waiting staff. Other diners included cyclists, couples and families making the most of the unusually balmy weather. It is also dog friendly.

Our bill came to just £18.25, which is a real bargain in my book.

Old Chapel Tearoom and Eatery

5b High Street, Castleton, YO21 2EE

Tel: 01287 660085

Open Monday, Thursday, Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4.30pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Ratings: Food Quality 9, Service 8, Surroundings 8, Value: 10