23/03/2016

YORK CAMRA PICKS THE ROOK AND GASKILL

  • Written by Lewis Townsend
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THE ROOK AND GASKILL IS YORK CAMRA’S PUB OF THE YEAR.

Chris Tregellis, York’s CAMRA chairman, led the congratulations to the Rook and Gaskill for its 2016 win in the branch’s annual pub of the year competition.  In his presentation speech he summed up perfectly what makes the perfect pub.

“We look out for three things,” he said to the packed crowd. “The place has to be attractive.  This place is full of oddities and quirks.  There must be an interesting range of beers and ciders, and thirdly and above all, there must be an enthusiastic team.  We’ve got all three in abundance here at the Rook and Gaskill.

“The Rook, which also picked up the cider pub of the year, is a real ale landmark and a ‘must do’ for anyone visiting the city,” he said.

The Rook and Gaskill is on the city’s Lawrence Street, within an easy stroll of the city walls.

Landlord Paul Marshall, expressed his delight at the win particularly having won the award in 2012 when tenant at the Waggon and Horses.   Speaking to the York Press, he said: “I’m absolutely over the moon.  That’s two pubs I’ve won with now, and I’m chuffed to bits.”

Pete Hopwell, Castle Rock Brewery’s tenancy operations manager is full of praise for the pub, its staff and their well deserved win.  “We’re all extremely pleased that Paul, his wife Mandy and his colleagues have done so well and our hearty congratulations go to them as we wish them all future success as York’s finest.

“Paul and his son Johnjo are well known and liked across the city and I know how much effort they’ve put in to make the Rook the success it is,” says Pete.

The Rook and Gaskill fought off competition from five other hostelries including York’s Waggon and Horses and Blue Bell.  Under York CAMRA rules it is ineligible for the competition next year.

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