Pubs brew up a real reputation

2:00pm Tuesday 18th September 2007

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DRINKERS and staff at York Brewery are celebrating, after all three of their pubs were included in the new edition of Britain's beer-lovers' bible.

The Good Beer Guide 2008, published by the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra) includes 13 of the city's best watering holes.

That tally includes two new additions, but two others have been dropped from the list. Brigantes Bar and Brasserie, in Micklegate, has been added and there is a return for York Brewery's oldest pub, The Last Drop Inn. But out have gone the Ackhorne in St Martin's Lane and The Swan in Bishopgate Street.

Andrew Whalley, director of brewing at York Brewery, said he was pleased the Last Drop had regained its place alongside their other establishments: the Three Legged Mare in High Petergate and the Yorkshire Terrier in Stonegate.

He said: "It's nice that all three of our pubs are in the Good Beer Guide for next year, and it shows the quality we strive for and the extent of our commitment to good quality cask ale."

Paul Burton, assistant manager at Brigantes, said: "It's fantastic for us. I have just found out, and I am sure head office are going to be very happy with that. We have been open about 18 months, and we have been working very hard.

"We got Cask Marque recognition which was our best achievement, but this is great."

When Brigantes opened in February 2006, it was York's only non-smoking pub. The new nationwide ban has changed that, but Mr Burton said they were still thriving.

Steve Cammidge, secretary of York Camra, said: "Brigantes is a welcome addition to the city. They made a very good start, and the standard is high. I go in quite regularly and it's a very good pub."

Ackhorne regular Ian Warner, 42, said: "I'm surprised that The Ackhorne is not included in the Good Beer Guide this year, given the quality and consistency of the beers on sale.

" I am sure that it won't be long before it features in the guide once again."

How pubs line up in the guide

York

Blue Bell, Fossgate; Brigantes, Micklegate; Golden Ball, Cromwell Road; Golden Lion, Church Street; Last Drop Inn, Colliergate; Maltings, Tanners Moat; Minster Inn, Marygate; Rook & Gaskill, Lawrence Street; Saddle Inn, Fulford Main Street; Sun Inn, The Green, Acomb; Tap & Spile, Monkgate; Three-Legged Mare, High Petergate; Yorkshire Terrier, Stonegate; Ebor Inn, Bishopthorpe Main Street

Outside York

The Wheatsheaf, Main Street, Burn; Ferry Inn, Cawood; The Grey Horse, Elvington Main Street; The Crown, Hemingbrough Main Street; Crown Hotel (Suddaby's), Wheelgate, Malton; The Rose, Bridge Street, Pickering.