I WRITE in response to your review of the Blacksmith's Arms, Westow (May 7). To say this was "formerly a sleepy, stuffy tavern with stained beer mats, pork scratchings and dusty dead flower arrangements" is unjustified.

The Blacksmith's Arms was a well run, thriving, happy and lively traditional country pub serving traditional country fare at reasonable prices, enjoyed by locals and others from the surrounding area.

Miss Jackie Bradshaw,

The Orchards,

Westow,

York.

Updated: 11:27 Thursday, May 19, 2005