York CAMRA awards its top honors to the Blue Bell, Slip Inn and Bishopthorpe Sports and Social Club for excellence.
York CAMRA covers a large area, including south of Selby, near the A1. It goes to Thirsk, the Moors, Malton, and Market Weighton. The area includes much of the Wolds.
Chris Tregellis leads York CAMRA. He said choosing is hard because York has many pubs inside and outside the city. Members must make tough choices.
The Blue Bell won because it’s small. You can almost always find a seat there. Chris said it’s very friendly and people easily start conversations. He finds it conducive to chilling out, where you meet people and drink excellent beer.
The Blue Bell opened in 1798. John Pybus and his wife took over in 2015. It became famous internationally thanks to awards, a brewery dispute, and a book.
Chris said people seek it out and finds it a landmark for York. He is really pleased it won. Chris added that The Slip Inn has excellent beers.
Paul Crossman owns The Slip Inn, and he also owns the Black Swan. The Black Swan won Pub of the Year in 2024. Chris finds The Slip Inn a super pub, also known for cider, which is another reason to visit.
The Bishopthorpe Sports and Social Club often wins. This is its sixth club of the year win, and the last one was in 2023. Chris says it is always friendly, encouraging visitors often. People who aren’t members go there and always have excellent beer. The club always tries hard.
John Pybus thanked his staff team, praising their high standards. He thanked the friendly regulars whose support means a lot to him. He also thanked the brewers for the tools and appreciates the CAMRA members’ votes.
Harry Cooke manages The Slip Inn. He said the cider award is wonderful. Lovely people come to the pub. They offer rotating craft ciders in top condition, as well as Stowford Press and craft beers.
Harry said they are a real ale pub, and cider gives people other options. He hopes the award will spread their name, wanting people to know they are doing good.
Dawn Paylor is club secretary. She said everyone is delighted. It shows the team’s hard work in providing great real ales for everyone.
The club started in 1946 and has over 500 members. A committee of 13 people runs it, and they have very hardworking staff.
Martin Scott is serving his 20th year, and Len Wilkinson retired after 30 years. Dawn said they offer a relaxed atmosphere, with sports on TV, pool, and snooker. They have a large function room, and membership costs £6 per year.
Presentations will occur at each place. The Blue Bell’s is June 19th, The Slip Inn’s is April 25th, and the club’s is March 28th.