Ye Old Sun Inn Wins Another Top Award At Pub 'Oscars'
Ye Old Sun Inn in Colton, near Tadcaster, has been crowned Best Freehouse in the country at the Great British Pub Awards 2010, held in London.
Already multi-award winners, licensees Ashley and Kelly McCarthy saw off stiff competition from freehouses across the country to take the top title. Collecting their trophy, they said: "Winning this Award is a fantastic endorsement of all the work we've put into the pub, especially over the last year. We're thrilled to bits, and grateful for the support of our staff and customers who have helped us achieve this."
Ashley and Kelly had leased Ye Old Sun for five years until buying the freehold just over a year ago. Since then, they've been busily finding new ways to grow the business, which include a new marquee in the pub's garden, regular farmers' markets and show cooking days. Plans for expansion in 2011 will see an extension for a new bar, extra space in the kitchen and the creation of a new village shop and deli attached to the pub.
In addition to their great work at Ye Old Sun Inn, the couple recently acquired a second pub, The White Swan in Wighill. Ashley said: "It has been an eventful year for us, but we are relishing all the new challenges that come our way."
Paul Charity, editor of drinks industry magazine Morning Advertiser, which organises the Awards, said, "Winning one of our fiercely-contested Awards is a tremendous achievement. Ashley and Kelly are to be congratulated for building a successful business, despite the difficulties currently facing the pub industry."
Competition judge Simon Barnes from category sponsor Marston's said: "It was hard to select a national winner from the short-list of excellent pubs, but Ye Old Sun Inn stood out. It offers everything you look for in a great pub; quality food and drink, a welcoming atmosphere and high standards throughout.
Ashley and Kelly travelled to London's Hilton Park Lane Hotel for the glittering Awards ceremony which was co-hosted by Morning Advertiser and guest presenter Lenny Henry.
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.
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.
