IT MIGHT be called Suddaby's Crown Hotel but that hasn't stopped it being named CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year for the fifth year running.

Those Scarborough real ale buffs know their stuff as the popular Malton hotel bar, located next door to the Malton Brewery, is a gem.

Described as a "superior local watering hole" on its website, the pub serves top quality beer in good company.

Big boss Neil Suddaby puts the pub's success down to "hard work" and the support of a motley band of regulars.

"It's just a good traditional boozer. You cannot describe our clients because there isn't any one type of person, they are all from different walks of life. It's a great crowd enjoying good conversation and good beer."

He's planning to celebrate the string of successes at the four-day winter beer festival which kicks off on Thursday, December 11.

The reputation of the festival, which began in 1996, has grown far and wide, with beer lovers becoming "regulars" at the biannual event. It boasts 40 beers on the festival bar, including six from the Malton Brewery range with their flash newly-designed pump clips.

"We've got festival regulars now," said Neil. "We don't see them at any other time of year, they just come for the beer." Enough said.

BACK in York just yards from our inky den here in Walmgate, Spread Eagle landlord Craig Regan is bringing a tuneful edge to Sunday afternoons.

The 27-year-old has brought in a few friends for sing-song from 2pm and there are plenty of instruments for talented drinkers to join in too.

Top among the enlisted support is cheeky chappie scaffolder Mick Agnew. He does a mean David Grey cover and promises more on Sunday.

He was roped in after popping in for a few pints with the missus this week when high winds cancelled his day's work.

Giving Bar Talk a quote Craig won't thank him for, he said: "Well, if the drinkers are singing they can't be fighting."

This is Walmgate of course, not the Wild West, so Sunday afternoon crooners who fancy a pint might well make their way along.

Updated: 17:37 Friday, November 28, 2003