The Old English Gentleman and the Wellington Inn, have been named joint-winners in the 'Hull Pub of the Year 2005' competition by the Hull & East Yorkshire Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Old English Gentleman on Worship Street was third in last year's competition. It is presently run by Chris Mallinson and Joyce Bate and is owned by Wolverhampton & Dudley.
Beer choice consists of Banks's Bitter, Marston's Burton Bitter and two guest beers. As you would expect it features in the new 2006 CAMRA Good Beer Guide: "This former shop was 200 years old in 2005. It became a pub in 1831 and now consists of one single U-shaped room divided by a double-sided fireplace. Its attractive, dark wood panelled walls feature dozens of pictures of artists who have appeared at the New Theatre. Its proximity to the stage door ensures regular visits from actors and musicians."
The Wellington Inn on Russell Street was not eligible for last year's competition because the new owners, Richard and Janette Gant, only purchased the pub in June 2004. However, they are or no strangers to the award, having won it in 2003 when they ran Ye Olde Black Boy.
Tetley Bitter is available regularly with up to six changing guest beers (mainly from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire independent breweries) and real ciders and perries. It is described in the 2006 CAMRA Good Beer Guide as: "Back-street free house in a former Hull Brewery house dating from 1861. Refurbished to a high standard, it boasts a walk-in cooler with a stock of more than 90 European bottled beers; see the glass-fronted display in the back bar."
Both awards will be presented on Wednesday 11th January: the Old English Gentleman at around 8.30 pm and the Wellington Inn at around 10.00 pm.
| Alan Canvess (Branch Chairman) | Tel: (01482) 446320 |