HOW far would you go for a pint of honest Yorkshire ale?

Gordon Campbell-Thomas trekked 7,000 (that's seven thousand) miles for a taste of proper bitter.

Setting off from his home India he finally reached York Brewery's newest pub, the Yorkshire Terrier in Stonegate, and sank a pint of his favourite beer... Yorkshire Terrier.

His verdict? "Heaven, absolute heaven."

Gordon was ostensibly in York to see his son get married, but took the opportunity "to fill up like a camel at an oasis".

After living in York for 20 years, he now resides in Goa, a place of much charm but no decent beer.

"They have got Kingfisher, but it's not English ale is it? It's bloody lager," he moaned.

Even the ubiquitous log cabin "English Pub" only sells lager. And this on the continent for which IPA (Indian Pale Ale) was invented.

"My brewery's the York Brewery," said Gordon. "Since coming back I have been to the Rook and Gaskill, the Last Drop Inn, the Three-Legged Mare and have visited the Yorkshire Terrier for the first time.

"It's brilliant. It's got a good ambience and the beer is excellent."

Readers will remember Gordon as the man who helped transform a York rubbish tip into St Nicholas Fields Nature Reserve. That was such a success that he was lured back to his family homeland, India, to work the same magic on a tip in Goa.

Gordon's ancestors have been in India since the 1700s. Although he was born in Sheffield, he spent his first ten years in the country.

He enjoyed being back in York for a week and his tastebuds will treasure the memory.

"Al Jolson said he'd walk a million miles, well I've flown seven thousand. Not very sustainable, but real Yorkshire ale will sustain me for another year."

u WE reported last week how two York comedians wanted to rock Gillygate pub Certificate 18 with laughter. But the outcome wasn't much fun.

No one turned up. The gig, with Jones Mott and Randy Matthews, had to be cancelled.

They are not about to hang up their microphones however. Jones thanks Cert 18 for its support but believes the pub, which mainly stages live music, is not the right venue for stand up.

He is appealing for other publicans to consider putting on a comedy night. If you are interested, give Jones a ring on (01904) 338319.

u BAR Talk was delighted to read more about the restorative nature of beer and pubs this week.

In groundbreaking research Leeds University boffins discovered that men relax in pubs. That helps keep them healthy.

There are lots of reasons why beer is good for you: it contains loads of B vitamins, 20 per cent of the recommended daily dose of fibre, and silicon, which strengthens bones. Bitter can even cut your cholesterol.

We'll drink to that.

Updated: 15:22 Friday, May 06, 2005