CAMRA logo Campaigning for Real Ale in the York area Billy Barrel chooses his Pub of the Year
Pubs Of The Year
York CAMRA have been choosing a Pub of the Year since 1995. The eight Pubs of the Season from the previous year are eligible and the result is decided by a postal ballot of all our local members, who number just over 600.

Pub of the Year 2009

York CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for 2009 is the Swan on Clementhorpe. All branch members, around 600 of us, had the chance to vote by post; the shortlist was made up of our Pubs of the Season in 2008. Most readers will need no introduction to this classic old pub, which appeals both for its architecture and its beer. It’s got an unusual (for York) layout, which is common in the old West Riding of Yorkshire – a drinking corridor with rooms off. The small public bar has a darts board and TV for live sports, while the spacious lounge at the back boasts plush seating and a real fire. Outside there’s a neat beer garden and excellent provision for smokers; a lot of work has gone into improving these facilities since the smoking ban, which is much appreciated by customers.

The pub changed hands in 2007 when the popular Pete and Rachel McNichol left after 10 years. (The timing of the change meant that we couldn’t consider it for inclusion in the last two editions of the Good Beer Guide.) The lease was bought by Paul Crossman, himself a regular at the pub, who was well-placed to carry on their good work, helped in no small way by manager Kerry Brown, who stayed on; it’s a big compliment to them to say that you’d be hard-pressed to spot the change.

Tetley’s Bitter, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Copper Dragon Golden Pippin are permanent, with an ever-changing range of guests, featuring breweries such as Great Heck, Rudgate and Salamander, as well as a hand-pulled cider.

Paul and Kerry were delighted by the news. As Paul put it: “It was a wonderful surprise and it’s really made our week. We’re looking forward to the presentation in April, and plan to make a night of it!”

Previous Winners

2008 Brigantes
York
Smart bar with a good range of beers, both local and foreign
2007 Blue Bell
York
A hat trick of wins for this cosy, unspoilt gem
2006 St. Vincent Arms
Sutton on Derwent
Second win for this outstanding family-run free house
2005 Rook & Gaskill
York
Wide range of well-kept beers in this Castle Rock pub
2004 Golden Ball
York
Much more than a backstreet local
2003 Blue Bell
York
Second win for this ever-popular city centre pub
2002 St. Vincent Arms
Sutton on Derwent
Excellent, family-run village inn
2001 Ackhorne
York
Welcoming, lively free house
2000 Maltings
York
First pub to win the award for a second time
1999 Ferry Inn
Cawood
Splendid old inn, serving fine ales and food
1998 Station Hotel
Easingwold
Once the home of Easingwold Brewery, no longer operating as a pub
1997 Jolly Farmers
Leavening
Excellent country free house
1996 Maltings
York
Unique free house in the centre of town
1995 Blue Bell
York
Small pub with unspoilt interior dating back nearly a century
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