Chequers micropub wins Pub of the Year

Chequers Micropub in Beverley has been named ‘East Yorkshire Town Pub of the Year 2014’ by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Hull & East Yorkshire Branch.

Five pubs were nominated for the prestigious title, and a panel of judges then individually visited each nomination and scored them against strict criteria: Quality of Real Ale, Community Focus, Atmosphere, Campaigning, Style/Decor, Service and Welcome, and Value for Money. For the pub to be eligible for the competition the licensee had to have been licensee since the 1st January 2014.

Chequers Micropub in Beverley is described in the new CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2015 as: “Yorkshire’s first micro-pub in a former bakers and near the bus station. Local micro-breweries represented include Atom, Brass Castle, Great Newsome and Wold Top plus micros from throughout the UK. Six ciders/perrys are sold.”

“The cellar and toilets are above the bar. Typically in a micro-pub, no lager, keg beer or spirits are sold. There is no television or loud music, making Chequers a place for real conversation, like pubs used to be.”

Ian Allott opened Chequers in June 2013 following a career as a travelling salesman. Chequers features real ale including a regular supply of local beers in an old style setting designed for conversation and relaxed drinking.

Ian said: “I would like to thank our customers and the CAMRA members for their support and it is clear that the ‘pub of old’ micropub concept is proving popular. We look forward to continuing to support our local breweries and serving our customers throughout the next year and for years to come.”

The Dog & Duck in Beverley, a family run pub under the reins of Mark McMullen and his father David, was runner-up in the competition.

Branch chairman Stewart Campbell said: “This year's competition was a hard fought one with some excellent pubs in contention with only a few votes separating the winners and runners-up. Congratulations to Ian and his team in winning the competition only 18 months after setting up and maintaining the superb standard throughout: their championing of local beers from local breweries has to be applauded.

“The drinkers of East Yorkshire are lucky to have dedicated licensees serving quality real ale and cider in pubs of distinction in our area.”