Dining Out: Farrer's Bar and Brasserie, Scarborough Spa: Ballad with burger is a meaty, melodious mix

The ‘turn’ on the Monday Menu with Music we chose was local bluesman Tom Townsend.

It was a melodic meal for three – relaxing and restorative.

The menu for the session is a cutback version of Farrer’s fare – but there is still plenty of choice.

It’s pub grub – tasty and plenty of it, rustically served.

I opted for the Farrer’s tower burger (£8.95). That is two 4oz handmade burgers in a toasted bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomato and beer battered onion rings served with chunky chips and a side order of coleslaw and garlic mayonnaise.

It was enormously delicious. One of my dining mates, Jo, picked one of her all time favourite meals – gammon. This was gammon steak, chunky chips, two eggs, grilled tomato and garden peas (£8.75).

Again there were no complaints about the portion or taste. Her sister Lynne plumped for beer battered haddock and chips (£9.50).

It was as advertised – large crispy beer battered haddock, served with chunky chips, peas, lemon wedge and homemade tartare sauce.

No complaints – so far, so good. We could have chosen from pasta dishes and other tasty options – including what are becoming legendary fishfinger sandwiches. I’ve had them before and they are fabulous.

Vegetarian options include spinach and mushroom stroganoff (£8.50) served with plain rice and a warm baguette or mixed bean bolognaise (£6) which is a selection of beans and vegetables cooked in 
tomatoes, white wine, garlic and basil.

This is served with tagliatelle pasta and a warm baguette.

Sides – including onion rings (they are amazingly big and crispy), garlic bread, garlic mushrooms and chips – are available.

There is also a children’s menu and lighter bites and sandwiches.

Desserts – we were too full to even share one – are also on the menu. But Mondays are also about the music. Food is served from 6.30pm and the music starts at 7pm and ends at 9pm.

Tom, pictured above, was magnificent – playing a set which included covers as well as originals.

There was a bit of Elton John and Eric Clapton alongside his own compositions.

Coming up on Monday is Gracie Falls, the Jelly-Roll Jazz Band on April 4 and new three piece AC3 on April 11. This bluesy outfit features Adam Carpenter, Tom Townsend and Rowan Oliver.

April 18 is a jazz special as this year’s Scarborough Jazz Festival is launched with Stuart MacDonald and the Mike Gordon Trio.

The Monday Menu with Music is one of Scarborough’s cultural gems, unique to the Spa, and it is well worth a visit.

The food is great, the music melodious, mellow, varied and conducive to digestion.

Whether your taste is jazz, blues or rock you can sit back and enjoy it. There is no charge for the music. You don’t have to have a meal – those who go for the music are just as welcome.

Our night including drinks came to under £50.

Rating: 8