The New Inn in Appletreewick has been crowned Pub of the Season by the local CAMRA branch. Craven Herald editor Matt Cornish reports

A large selection of beer and a friendly atmosphere has seen the New Inn at Appletreewick named as the Pub of the Season by members of the Keighley and Craven branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The New Inn has been a long standing entry in the Good Beer Guide, achieving 22 years of continuous and consecutive entries under its previous owner, John Pitchers.

It missed briefly in 2011 following a management change, before reclaiming its accustomed spot in the guide which it has held for the last three years.

The pub is owned by Carol Smith and managed by Richard Houghton. Mr Houghton said: “We’re delighted. We’ve been named pub of the season before but it’s the first time since I’ve been here. It’s a traditional pub – not old fashioned but traditional. The main part is over 400 years old.”

The pub stocks a good range of ales, with six handpulls and various guest ales.

Ian Berry, who nominated the pub for the award, said: “On the bar the regular beers are Goose Eye Chinook, Tetley Cask Bitter and the landlord is justly proud of being one of the few establishments that regularly stocks Theakston’s Old Peculier from the wood, plus an unusual one for the area – Castle Rock Harvest Pale – is a regular guest.

“It also sells Old Rosie cider on hand pump and has received recognition with the CAMRA ‘Real cider sold here’ award. If none of these takes your fancy they also stock a range of foreign beers in bottles and a couple on draft.”

The pub was hit by a lengthy road closure last year, but business is picking up again.

Mr Houghton said one of the big draws was its food, with a number of “long-distance” regulars who make special trips out to the village. He added: “We pride ourselves on serving very good pub food – lamb shanks, belly pork, steaks and we’re famous for our pies. We also have a reasonable choice for any vegetarians coming through.

“Food is very important to us and we’re not one of those pubs who stops serving if it’s quiet – we stick to the times as people come from all over and want to know they can get something to eat.”

The pub is also family friendly, and holds special events. Next up is a ‘Pub Pentathlon’ on February 19. Teams compete at darts, dominoes, draughts, whist and finally a quiz.

Mr Houghton said: “Basically we have teams of four, and that can be members of one family. It’s weighted so it’s not just about the quiz at the end – it’s all good fun. And there’s been quite a few people who are good dominoes or draughts players who’ve lost to young kids.”

The Skipton and Keighley CAMRA group will be visiting the pub to present the pub’s management with the Pub of the Season award for Winter 2013/2014 at around 3pm on Saturday. Everyone is welcome to join them, especially the pub regulars, to toast the pub’s success.

Many of the CAMRA members attending the presentation will be using the threatened number 74 Ilkley to Grassington bus service which stops outside the pub as a gesture of support for the service and the pubs on the route.