BEER enthusiasts in York have named their pub of the year for 2016.

The Rook and Gaskill in Lawrence Street won the top award from the York branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

York Press:

Landlord Paul Marshall (right) and his son Johnjo, pictured on Thursday at The Rook and Gaskill in Lawrence Street

The announcement was made at the branch's AGM on Wednesday night. The Rook and Gaskill also won the branch's award for cider pub of the year.

Landlord Paul Marshall said he was delighted, particularly having also won the award in 2012, when he was licensee of The Waggon and Horses in the same street.

He said today: "I am absolutely over the moon. That's two pubs I've won it with now and I'm chuffed to bits."

He praised his son Johnjo, who does a lot of the day-to-day work in the pub.

York Camra chairman Chris Tregellis said: "Competition is tough in a branch which reaches far from the city itself and in which we have some 1,400 members.

"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.  

"We look forward to a formal presentation later in the year; it will be quite a night!"  

Past winners of York Camra's top award

2015 - The Maltings in Tanner's Moat

2014 - The Wheatsheaf in Burn

2013 - The Ferryboat in Thorganby

2012 - The Waggon & Horses

2011 - Brigantes in Micklegate

2010 - The Ferryboat in Thorganby

2009 - The Swan in Bishopgate Street

2008 - Brigantes in Micklegate

2007 - The Blue Bell in Fossgate

2006 - The St Vincent Arms in Sutton on Derwent

2005 - The Rook and Gaskill in Lawrence Street

2004 - The Golden Ball in Cromwell Road

2003 - The Blue Bell in Fossgate

2002 - The St Vincent Arms in Sutton on Derwent

2001 - The Ackhorne in St Martin's Lane

2000 - The Maltings in Tanner's Moat

1999 - The Ferry Inn in Cawood

1998 - The Station Hotel in Easingwold

1997 - The Jolly Farmers in Leavening

1996 - The Maltings in Tanner's Moat

1995 - The Blue Bell in Fossgate