WE'VE always thought it the king of shops. Now it looks like York Beer & Wine Shop has proved a hit with Her Maj herself.

This image, sent to Bar Talk by off licence supremo Jim Helsby, purports to show the Queen popping by to congratulate him on his business's 20th anniversary. She allegedly called by in between races at Royal Ascot.

Well, it is on Sandringham Street, home from home, really. And we can't imagine the Queen gets the chance to stock up on Timothy Taylor's Landlord that often.

We join our sovereign in bestowing belated happy returns on this brilliant beer boutique.

Since it was opened by Jim and Eric Boyd, who recently moved on, the York Beer & Wine Shop has brought the best in British and worldwide bottled ales to a grateful city. Bar Talk would never have been turned on to the charms of countless brews and breweries without them being brought to our tastebuds' attention by the pioneering shop.

And it was thanks to the fine beer and cheese still purveyed there that we were able to partake in a particularly delicious Father's Day treat this year.

Well done Jim. And next time you're in, Your Majesty, pick up half a dozen Terriers and a pack of ready salted for us, love..?

IT'S not been going as long as the beer shop, but it does leave you just as chuffed (not to say loco). Yes, the York CAMRA Real Ale Rail Trail is back.

Next Saturday marks the ninth anniversary of this popular event.

A cheap day return to Stalybridge (£16.70) is the drinker's ticket to four different railway watering holes and 30 different beers.

This year's itinerary takes in Dewsbury Station refreshment rooms; the Head of Steam pub and Station Tavern at Huddersfield; the Riverhead Brewery Tap and the Railway at Marsden; and the Stalybridge Station Buffet Bar.

To get on track, meet at York station concourse at 11am. The first train departs at 11.26 (ultimate destination, Manchester Airport).

WHAT do those fine American gentlemen of the road, REM, drink on tour?

Mid-encore at the rain-lashed KC Stadium in Hull on Tuesday, lead singer Michael Stipe asked guitarist Scott McCaughey what bottled beer he was supping. The answer was Black Sheep, and the Masham brew appeared to have an instant effect.

McGaughey, rather than Stipe, promptly took the lead vocals for an impromptu cover of The Undertones' Teenage Kicks. Goodness knows what mayhem would have ensued if he'd been drinking Riggwelter.

Incidentally, we reckon the lead singer would prefer... Red Stipe.

Updated: 16:45 Friday, July 08, 2005