Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Hull & East Yorkshire Branch NEWS RELEASE

The Bell Hotel in Driffield and the Old Star in Kilham are Voted Best Pubs in East Yorkshire

Issued 6th January 2006

The Bell Hotel in Driffield has been named winner of the 'Town Pub of the Year 2005' and The Old Star in Kilham has been named 'Village Pub of the Year 2005' by the Hull & East Yorkshire Branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

Members voted for their Pubs of the Year 2005 at the January branch meeting after carefully considering the following criteria: Community Focus, Atmosphere, Campaigning, Quality of Beer, Style/Decor, Service and Welcome; Value for Money. For the pub to be eligible for the competition the licensee had to be present since the 1st January 2005.

The Bell Hotel on Market Place in Driffield is presently run by George and Rita Riggs. The bar and cellar is looked after by Pete Simpson.

Beer choice consists of up to three guest beers, with at least one of them usually from Hambleton Brewery at Holme-on-Swale (Thirsk). The pub features in the new 2006 CAMRA Good Beer Guide and is described as: "A Coaching Inn at the town centre where the long, wood panelled bar's red leather seating, substantial fireplaces, antiques and paintings lend a quality feel."

The Old Star Inn in Kilham is owned and run by Mark and Catherine Hallsworth.

John Smith's Bitter, Archer's Golden (4.7% ABV), a guest beer from within Yorkshire and another from elsewhere is the beer choice. The pub is described in the new 2006 Good Beer Guide as "Village pub in the heart of the Wolds. Dark oak panelling has been retained throughout the central bar and three separate rooms. Real fires keep everyone cosy in winter."

Both awards will be presented on Saturday 14th January; The Old Star Inn at around 7.30 pm and the Bell Hotel at around 9.00 pm.

The Foundry in Driffield was runner-up in the 'Town' competition. The Chestnut Horse in Great Kelk and the Wellington Inn at Lund were joint runners-up in the Village competition.