Campaign for Real Ale...

The other evening Richard invited me to a CAMRA presentation at the Lord Collingwood pub in Poppleton on the outskirts of York. CAMRA is concerned with preserving and promoting real ale and traditional English pub interiors (both of which appeal to me!). It was a warm, convivial evening with lots of local people gathering to support their pub of choice. And guess what - the first person I spoke to had done a 5-week tour of the South Island! You can find out more about CAMRA in York here http://www.yorkcamra.free-online.co.uk/

The following is taken from the above website and explains why the Lord Collingwood received its award.

The Country award went to the Lord Collingwood at Poppleton, a first time winner. Beer choice has expanded dramatically since Steve and Alice Massey took on this Marston’s pub two years ago. At the time it sold onlyBanks’s Bitter and one guest, but Steve makes good use of the considerable range on the brewery’s list and now there are up to seven ales at weekends. There is usually a choice of Jennings, Banks’s, Marston’s and Ringwood, supplemented by others such as Wychwood and Brakspear. It’s a lovely old pub in a Grade II listed building, on the edge of the attractive village green where a traditional Maypole celebration continues today. Outside in front is the church and a car park and at the rear an attractive beer garden, illuminated by fairy lights after dark, with patio and children’s play area. On Wednesday nights there is a well-supported general knowledge quiz with cash prizes. The food is good value, honest pub grub, including snacks, main courses and desserts. There’s no food on Mondays, otherwise lunch is available 12–2.30pm and dinner 6–9pm: features are curry nights on Thursday and grill nights on Tuesday. 

I was too busy (!) to take photos and also I am a bit reluctant to snap people without their agreement so these photos are lifted from a couple of websites...