The Sun Shines over the Summer
As the summer months roll on so do the cookery demonstrations by the chef’s of Ye Old Sun Inn, Colton. They have been cooking up all sorts of dishes for audiences across the county using a vast selection of local produce. From the local junior school in Askham Richard to the new to Leeds ‘Foodies Festival’, to the bright lights of The Great Yorkshire Show along side the regulars such as Stephanie Moon, Andrew Pern and James Mackenzie.
‘It’s great to get out of the kitchen and meet our customers, especially taking time out to go and cook for the kids of St Mary’s in Askham Richard, showing them different foods and simple dishes to try at home with their parents’ says Ashley McCarthy, head chef and owner of Ye Old Sun Inn with his wife Kelly.
In July the couple held their annual Farmers Market in the grounds of the Colton pub to raise funds for Martin House hospice and Water Aid. Again cookery demonstration featured heavily along side the local producers from around the area. This also began the national ‘Proud of Pubs Week’ campaign for the Sun Inn, promoted by the Publican magazine, but the celebrations started early on the 18th July by receiving an award for being outstanding licensees.
Publican editor Caroline Nodder and Nigel Evans MP presented Ashley and Kelly with this year’s Proud of Pubs Award for their remarkable efforts in turning a once run down pub into an award-winning outlet.
Ashley and Kelly McCarthy scoop Publicans Of The Year title
A couple from North Yorkshire have won the title of Publicans Of The Year at the industry’s Oscar ceremony. Ashley and Kelly McCarthy, who own Ye Old Sun Inn in Colton and The White Swan in Wighill, picked up the accolade at the 2010 Publican Awards. Judges commended the couple for “demonstrating a passion for the pub trade and a willingness to invest in all aspects of the business”. Ashley said: “While it was Kelly and I who collected the award, I really feel all our staff should have been up on that stage with us. The whole team has won this accolade. “We’ve worked hard to shift perceptions of Ye Old Sun from being a food-led pub to being a drinking venue as well – without losing our reputation for excellent quality, wholesome food. This award confirms that we’ve achieved that, so we’re even more pleased.”
Crowned Yorkshire Pub of the Year
What a week it’s been for Ashley & Kelly McCarthy, with Ye Old Sun Inn named Yorkshire Pub of the Year at the prestigious White Rose Awards for Tourism.
The Awards are a celebration of excellence in the tourism industry and run by tourism agency, Welcome to Yorkshire.
Ashley and Kelly were amongst the 800 or so guests at the Royal Armouries in Leeds last night (Monday October 19) to collect their award.
A delighted Ashley McCarthy said: “To say we’re thrilled at winning this award is an understatement. It’s a reflection of all the hard work and dedication of the team in making Ye Old Sun such a valuable asset to the community.
This award success comes in a week when the couple are opening their second pub, the White Swan at Wighill. The village local had been shut for two years prior to Ashley & Kelly taking it on and overseeing an extensive refurbishment.
