Cheers to the Old No 7

Barnsley’s historic Old No 7 is today (Thursday September 13) proclaimed one of Yorkshire’s top three pubs – after little more than a year of trading.

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) has voted the Market Hill hostelry bronze winner in the Best Pub in Yorkshire Pub of the Year Awards.*

The accolade comes only 13 months since Dave and Judi Hughes of Wombwell’s fast growing Acorn Brewery, and business partner Michael Thorpe, unveiled the ‘cask ale haven’ brewery tap following a £180,000 restoration. Announced to coincide with today’s release of the 40th CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2013, the award puts a Barnsley real ale pub among the best in the UK.

Dating back to the 18th century, the Grade 2 listed property was first licensed in 1925 but closed by Enterprise in 2010. Earlier this year local Camra members declared it ‘Barnsley Pub of the Year 2012’.

Acorn proprietor Dave Hughes said: “To be named as one of the best three pubs in the whole of the Yorkshire region so soon after opening is staggering – a great honour. We took a big risk but it shows we were right to make our investment. This is a terrific tribute to the pub team, who work very hard to give a warm welcome and, crucially, serve excellent beer.

To celebrate the award Acorn will hold ‘Meet the Brewer’ events at the pub during ‘Cask Ale Week’ later this month (Sept 28 to Oct 7).

Phil Gregg, Barnsley Camra pubs officers said: “This is fantastic news for the pub, the brewery and, more importantly, the town. The Old No7 has transformed the real ale scene within Barnsley town centre. Prior to the opening cask ales were limited to a handful of pubs in town. Now many of the other longstanding pubs within the town centre area have introduced cask ale to their range, which has been fantastic for the town.

”The hard work of Dave Hughes, Michael Thorpe, Fiona Holmes and all of the staff at The No 7 has paid huge dividends. The pub was recently awarded Barnsley CAMRA pub of the year 2012 and the news of the regional award is the icing on the cake.

“Since opening the pub has gone from strength to strength hosting beer festivals, tasting evenings & guest speakers and long may it continue. I am confident that these will be the first awards of many for the pub and I would like to place on record my huge congratulations to all involved.”