A much-loved York pub has been recognised by beer enthusiasts as one of the best in the city.

The Golden Ball in Cromwell Road in Bishophill became York’s first community pub in 2013 and is run as a co-operative.

The Grade II-listed building was first mentioned as a pub in newspapers in 1773 and may have been visited by novelist Charles Dickens.

Earlier this month, York CAMRA presented the Golden Ball with a plaque to recognise it as the group’s Summer City Pub of the Season.

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Branch chairman Chris Tregellis recalled how the locals negotiated to buy the lease in 2012, creating the co-operative.

Chris told the Press: “Six years later they negotiated a free of tie arrangement which allows them now to offer a tempting array of cask beers.

“With its feet well planted in the community the pub offers much: it is dog friendly, has an open mic event, quiz and music nights and supports charity parties.”

At the presentation earlier this month, several of the 200 shareholders were present, along with pub staff and many York CAMRA members.Chris Tregellis with Patti Burlingham Chris Tregellis with Patti Burlingham (Image: supplied)

tinued: "Community owned, community entertainment and community spirit: what's not to like?".

"The Golden Ball is a little out of the way but well worth seeking out if you are not already part of its lucky community"

Pub manager Denise Mackenzie told the Press it was “really good” to receive the recognition.

“I want to thank all the regulars, the locals, they are all really friendly.”

Denise continued: “We look after the real ale to make it the best. We sell the best pint. The staff work really hard. They keep the pub alive.

“It is thanks to everybody, we make it a big community, friendly and nice for everybody.”

In other plaudits, TripAdvisor notes the pub have seven hand-pulled cask ales and awards it 4.5 stars out of five, ranking it 260th out of 571 restaurants in York.

The latest comment from Andrew T describes it as a “Community co-operative pub that gets everything right.”

He added: “I don't live in York, but this is my second time at The Golden Ball and it has become my favourite pub in the city (which is saying something, as there are a LOT of great pubs in York). A community co-operative enterprise, with well-kept beer, friendly staff, attractive decor (proper Victorian boozer style), board games and a pack of cards behind the bar.

Google awards its 4.6 stars out of five, based on 625, with similar comments.

The presentation preceded the York CAMRA beer festival, which is set to take place for a second time at St Lawrence’s Church next week, between Wednesday September 18 and Saturday the 21st.

There will be over 200 local and national cask and keg beers, ciders and perries, plus wine as well as food from local vendors including Yuzu, Ged Bell pies and Bistro Guy.