IF you are an oldie bore, you might want to avoid the Old Ebor. The York pub is back on its feet and looking to liven up.

That's not to say it has become a tacky theme pub or a shiny bottle bar. But the Old Ebor is under new management who are determined to build on its strengths as a traditional pub.

Tony Sissons, who runs the Three Cranes, St Sampson's Square, with his wife Jackie, had been looking for another pub for some time. The Old Ebor, on Nunnery Lane, was perfect. Despite its branding as a Pubmaster boozer, it now belongs to Punch Taverns, the same as the Three Cranes.

Due to problems involving the previous tenant, the Old Ebor had been closed for weeks. Tony had it redecorated and brought in some pictures on the racing theme before reopening it a fortnight ago.

Sky Sports has been introduced to one bar, with the other secured for regulars. He wants to offer a haven for locals while boosting passing trade. Already the pub has regained its position on the Nunnery Lane run, and it should do particularly well on race days.

"We're getting very positive feedback from the old regulars that used to go in," said Tony.

"There's still a long way to go until it's back on its feet properly."

And who is going to restore the Ebor? Step forward Geoff Dawson, who started as manager on Monday. The former fitter is "a very good communicator and a good friend of mine," Tony said.

Darts and dominoes are coming back, as is pub food once the kitchens are fixed. And look out for some fine beer: as well as Tetley's cask, there is a guest ale, currently London Pride (oh, and there's John Smith's Smooth for the unfortunates who like that sort of thing).

Meanwhile, the Three Cranes goes from strength to strength.

"It's thriving at the moment. A lot of new people are coming in because of the real ales we have got."

HIGH-ho Hambleton away! Hambleton Brewery's excellent Stallion bitter is galloping to off-licences everywhere.

A favourite cask ale at pubs across Yorkshire, Stallion Premium Ale is now available in bottles. The move coincides with Hambleton securing planning permission to move to a new location, still within sight of the Hambleton Hills.

The first delivery of bottled Stallion was to Lewis & Cooper in Northallerton. Here's to portable horsepower.

Updated: 08:27 Saturday, June 26, 2004