Visitors to a pub in a idyllic seaside town might be surprised to find a set of "prehistoric" rules awaiting them. Despite its charming location in a popular coastal getaway, The Plough Inn in Whitby, North Yorkshire, has divided opinion among pubgoers, with TripAdvisor reviews ranging from warnings to "avoid like the plague" to praise for its quiet and friendly vibe. Owned by Samuel Smith Brewery, The Plough Inn enforces a strict nationwide policy that includes more than just a 'no dogs' rule. This North Yorkshire establishment prohibits children inside unless they are supervised in the garden and also bans phones, tablets and laptops.

It has also has a strict no swearing policy. Samuel Smith's website outlines its approach, saying: "It is the job of the managers to build up the trade by creating a friendly, social atmosphere with conversation, pub games and consistent high standards."

The company prides itself on maintaining a peaceful environment, saying: "We do not have music, TVs or fruit machines in any of our pubs, we do not allow swearing and have negligible trouble."

Their pubs close at 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30pm on Sundays, and where food is available, it's served from a branded menu, reports Yorkshire Live.

But what do the pub's customers think of the strict rules?

Many have voiced their opinions on TripAdvisor, contributing to its overall 3/5 rating.

One of them, Bob S, who visited in March this year, said: "Lovely bar and bigger than you think only place to go for a great cheap pint will call again on my visit, I was there at 1pm and it wasn't busy but very friendly."

Another patron, Yorkshire Gold, visited in February and said: "Warm clean interior lots of character.

"Friendly staff no jukebox or loud music which was great. A mix of locals and tourists together a good value pub with Samuel Smith drinks. Pleasant pub off the high Street."

Jack D also praised his experience, saying he enjoyed "lovely afternoon drinks in the sunshine" and commended the pub's service. He mentioned the delicious hand-pulled beer, the pleasant atmosphere in the beer garden on a sunny Saturday, saying it was "good to see it so busy".

However, the pub isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some found the rules so stringent that they felt too uncomfortable to stay for more than one drink.

Among them was a user posting as CPTJTKIRKK, who visited in October last year. They said: "Just arrived in Whitby in need of a beer, so walked in off the street for a couple, half way through the second round my mate got his phone out to check the weather when the barmaid walked round and said "haven't you seen the signs NO PHONES TABLETS OR LAPTOPS this is a detox zone.

"We found this quite bizarre as he had just paid for a round with the banking APP on his PHONE. So we drank up and left, shame because the beer was good."

Steve M, who visited by in August, also claimed he wouldn't be coming back to the Plough. He explained: "After a long drive to get to Whitby we were looking for a quiet pub for a few wind-down beers and the karaoke at 4pm in the Whitby Way did not appeal - although with it being the height of the holiday season and a glorious week-end the town was heaving. We wandered down Baxtergate and came across this unpretentious watering hole and ventured inside."

He added: "We had no knowledge of the mobile/laptop policy and my good lady was suitably chastised for just looking at hers.

"There were three other individuals in the bar who were sat apart and were presumably all born dumb.

"We close all our pubs at 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30pm on a Sunday. Where food is served we have a branded menu."

He said the barmaids managed to serve a "pleasant" pint but "with a grimace rather than a smile". Finishing the review, he said: "So, it turned out that the Plough Inn served its purpose for enjoying a very decent beer or three in peace and tranquillity.

"However, we will definitely not return ever again as my good lady cannot live without her iPhone for more than five minutes."