Raise a glass to continuing good health of pubs

From: Graham Snowdon, Hallam Grange Croft, Sheffield.

IT brought it home to me, the number of good watering holes in the county, when I read the list of 12 finalists in Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub competition, (Yorkshire Post, June 13) and realised that, despite having spent the last 50 years making a detailed study into the subject, I had not been in a single one of the establishments listed.

In a way, I was disappointed that none of my favourite pubs was listed, but on the other hand it was reassuring to know that you can spend a lifetime exploring Yorkshire’s best pubs and best beer and still be in no danger of running out of choices.

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One omission I was particularly surprised but pleased about was one my own hidden gems which seemed to be getting cited with worrying regularity by guests in your “My Yorkshire” feature at the back of the Saturday magazine when asked for their favourite restaurant or pub. At least that one is safe from invasion, for this year at least.

I have travelled the world, and whenever I return home (even from America, which has quite a brew pub culture these days), the first thing I do is head to the pub for what is usually my first pint of truly excellent cask beer for two or three weeks.

We are absolutely spoilt, not just for good pubs but for good beer, and for that we should raise a glass to Camra, probably the most successful campaigning organisation of all time.

As you rightly say in your Comment, reports of the pub industry’s death have been greatly exaggerated.