Most Improved Pub Awards - 2009
This is an occasional award issued whenever the branch feel that a pub in the area is deserving. The last time it was awarded was in 2007, and in 2009 two pubs have caught our eye and will be awarded "Improved Pub"
The Swan, Addingham
If I had a tenner for everyone who told me how good the Swan at Addingham used to be, I’d never have to work again. Those anecdotes predate my arrival in the Broad Acres. In recent years the pub had slipped back to the standard of being worthy, but not one that occasioned a detour to find. Things have changed.
In April last year, Nikki and Ian Frost took the lease and set to work. Feverish activity while the pub was briefly closed delivered refurbishment to the toilets (where WOULD we be without those European directives, eh?), improvements to the flooring that had been the nemesis of many of the well-refreshed, while behind the scenes the kitchen was improved.
Live music is a regular evening feature with bands on Saturdays, folk music on Mondays and acoustic sessions on Thursdays – I’m told you can pitch up and play, but perhaps not on Saturdays. They’ve got darts and dominoes teams, if that tickles your fancy. There’s nourishing grub too.
But, as you are reading a real ale website, what you really want to know about is the ale. The Swan has been recognised by the Keighley & Craven branch of CAMRA as being substantially improved because it now features a minimum of three cask ales, invariably in good condition, and featuring a variety of ales from Enterprise’s central list (90+ in the last year); they also support local ales wherever possible, and it is usually possible to find an ale from Copper Dragon, of Skipton (see elsewhere for details of LocALE participation).
There was be a bit of a do on June 23rd at the pub with a presentation to recognise Nikki & Ian’s success in improving the place.
Everyone is welcome at all times. Opening and food times can be found on the pub's web site or by giving them a bell on 01943 831 999.
The Red Lion, SkiptonWhy has the Red Lion been awarded this accolade? Any pub that goes in one leap from selling a single uninspiring cask beer of average quality to offering eight more interesting real ales, all kept on good form, has to be considered. Add that much of the new beer range (3 beers from Green King, a house beer from Titanic and 4 ever-changing guest ales) comes from a variety of breweries around the country, rarely seen in Skipton. Add a fairly tasteful refurbishment of one of Skipton's most historic pubs. And, last but not least, add pleasant staff and you have a winner!
The Red Lion aims to be all things to all men (and women). Not only does it sell eight real ales, I have been told by a reliable source (my wife) that the wines are good too. It also still caters for the sports fan with numerous large screen TV's and still sells the standard range of fizzy beer and alcopops. I, personally, would like at least one quiet corner where I don't have to be bombarded by the big match, but many enjoy going to the pub to watch a game and on sporting days you can guarantee a lively atmosphere. Even the smoker can still enjoy a fag without missing out on that vital goal/try/run/pot/ace etc. with a TV in the tasteful smoking area to the rear of the pub. The quiz fan is catered for on Thursday evenings and, if you can't drag yourself away, there are letting rooms as well. For the hungry amongst you, the Red Lion offers food lunchtime and early evening with a range of different themes including tapas and locally sourced pie 'n' peas.
The Red Lion reopened in October 2008 after being refurbished. The previous layout has been maintained, but, being one of the town's oldest pubs, this is not surprising. The original fireplace has been made a central feature, and there are a couple of other interesting fireplaces in the back room.
This 'Improved Pub' award is primarily about beer and one of the major improvements to beer quality is the reintroduction of the cellar. At some point in relatively recent history the beer store was moved into a building in the yard. (I'm sure they had a good reason!) This resulted in a 4½ pint pull. Few landlords would dare to regularly throw away the 4½ pints of beer that has been sat in a pipe under the yard and have to justify the wastage with the accountants at head office. As part of the refurbishment the beer has been moved back to the cellar, which is where beer should be (when not in a glass), with a ¾ pint pull. The award is also about promoting Cask beer, a requirement satisfied by the 'Gallon Club' - drink 8 pints of different real ales, get them signed off on the offer card and you get a t-shirt and your name on a board as Gallon Club member, all done by a professional signwriter. (And, yes, I have already got my t-shirt!)
The new landlord, who has brought about this great change, is Stuart. However, you won't see him very often as he spends most of his time slaving over a hot stove in the kitchen, leaving his trustworthy assistant manager Rob behind the bar. Stuart has been in the licensed trade for 18 years. Initially he managed pubs in the Hogs Head chain in the north west and, more recently, was at the Royal Oak in Settle for 7 years before coming to the Red Lion.
The award was presented on Tuesday 21st July 2009.
Some unofficial pictures of the Red Lion presentation...
..courtesy of 'Bar Humbug'
More of a Liquid Nutrient specialist, Alesman's Fred The Ed seems a little baffled when confronted with a free twelve-course meal.
A typical group of Keighley and Craven CAMRA members: only one beard in sight.
Thunderous applause for Jenny as she takes part in the 'Trying To Hold The Camera Steady' event.
