10/09/2010

Issued by: Ye Old Sun Inn 

Ye Old Sun Inn in Colton, near Tadcaster, has been crowned Best Freehouse in the country at the Great British Pub Awards 2010, held in London. 

Already multi-award winners, licensees Ashley and Kelly McCarthy saw off stiff competition from freehouses across the country to take the top title. Collecting their trophy, they said: "Winning this Award is a fantastic endorsement of all the work we've put into the pub, especially over the last year. We're thrilled to bits, and grateful for the support of our staff and customers who have helped us achieve this."

Ashley and Kelly had leased Ye Old Sun for five years until buying the freehold just over a year ago. Since then, they've been busily finding new ways to grow the business, which include a new marquee in the pub's garden, regular farmers' markets and show cooking days.  Plans for expansion in 2011 will see an extension for a new bar, extra space in the kitchen and the creation of a new village shop and deli attached to the pub.

In addition to their great work at Ye Old Sun Inn, the couple recently acquired a second pub, The White Swan in Wighill. Ashley said: "It has been an eventful year for us, but we are relishing all the new challenges that come our way."

Paul Charity, editor of drinks industry magazine Morning Advertiser, which organises the Awards, said, "Winning one of our fiercely-contested Awards is a tremendous achievement. Ashley and Kelly are to be congratulated for building a successful business, despite the difficulties currently facing the pub industry."

Competition judge Simon Barnes from category sponsor Marston's said: "It was hard to select a national winner from the short-list of excellent pubs, but Ye Old Sun Inn stood out. It offers everything you look for in a great pub; quality food and drink, a welcoming atmosphere and high standards throughout.

Ashley and Kelly travelled to London's Hilton Park Lane Hotel for the glittering Awards ceremony which was co-hosted by Morning Advertiser and guest presenter Lenny Henry.

The Best Freehouse category is sponsored by Marston's (http://www.marstons.co.uk/), Britain's largest premium ale brewer whose beers include Marston's Pedigree, Wychwood Hobgoblin, Jennings Cumberland Ale, Ringwood Fortyniner and Banks's Mild.

Our photo shows: (L-R) Lenny Henry; Kelly McCarthy of Ye Old Sun Inn; Paul Brindley of category sponsor Marston's; Ashley McCarthy and Morning Advertiser editor Paul Charity.

 

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Notes to editor: The Great British Pub Awards are in their fifth year and are recognised as the most sought-after in the industry, attracting hundreds of entries from pubs across the country. Pubs compete in 16 categories from Best Gastropub to Best Live Music Pub and, new for this year, Best Green Pub. To reach the finals, pubs had to succeed in a ‘paper' judging, followed by a visit from an industry expert. Regional winners for each category were selected in August and from this shortlist, a national Award winner in each category was announced last night, as well as the overall Great British Pub of the Year.  For more information, visit http://www.greatbritishpubawards.co.uk

Issued on behalf of:                            The Great British Pub Awards

By:                                                       Shiel Communications

For information on the Awards:          Ros Shiel on 07841 694137/ 01403 267971

                                                            ros@shielcomms.co.uk

 

For information on Ye Old Sun Inn:    Michelle Luscombe at Progressive PR & Marketing

07734 109200 or michelle@progressivepr.co.uk