BAR Talk caught up with Sean Singleton this week. It's not easy, he gets around a bit: the last time we spoke back in October, he and wife Diane had taken over the Ship Inn, Acaster Malbis, saying they planned to stay there 15 years.

But after only a few months, they moved out and, as we reported earlier this month, former professional country singer Sandi Hart had taken the helm.

Sean said they had to abandon Ship for two reasons: flooding (it was hit twice in their short time there); and the high rates.

So instead he's returned to his roots, at the Red Lion, Upper Poppleton.

"I'm from Poppleton," he explained. "It's like going back home. My parents used to have the White Horse in the village. They introduced draught Bass and since I came to the Red Lion I've introduced draught Bass here."

He and Diane worked in the White Horse for seven years. His folks, Gill and Ray, are now in charge at the Cross Keys, Dunnington.

As for Diane, "her granddad Tommy Mitchell used to play for Leeds United, and then took on the Peacock near Elland Road". Tom also played for and managed York City.

At the Red Lion, which boasts 18 hotel rooms, they have organised the first darts team for 20 years.

Sean, who has the pub on a ten-year lease, expects it to be refurbished later this year.

But he wants it to remain a traditional pub. Brenda Rogers, who has worked in the Lion's kitchens for 25 years, is still creating mouth-watering steak and ale pies.

It's been an entertaining first few weeks. Recently they had a rugby club to stay who ended up dancing naked round Poppleton's Maypole (late at night, we hasten to add).

"It feels good to be back home," Sean said. "I've moved from one pub to another and its difficult to get to know an area, but in Poppleton I know where everything is and I know half the customers already."

u WITH the news that York's own international award-winning, gold-plated, fuel-injected, top notch brewery is set to open two new pubs in Lawrence Street and Micklegate comes a management shake-up.

The Last Drop's landlord big Vernon Seymour is off down the road to The Queen, Lawrence Street, which is due to be renamed when the York Brewery take over in a few months. It's also heading for a refurbishment and Vernon, who is looking forward to a challenge after two years at the Colliergate mainstay, says he is up to the task.

He leaves assistant manager Elaine Pritchard and her partner Dave Morgan to take over.

The brewery is also expanding its empire in to the former Rock Caf, Micklegate, which backs on to its Toft Green headquarters. The building is said to house a huge kitchen so expect some sizzling delights. What with the Wetherspoon chain moving in to the Punchbowl, Blossom Street, the west side of York is facing a long-awaited renaissance.

u MEANWHILE, York Brewery played host to a gathering of the cream of Yorkshire brewers last weekend.

Among those attending the bash were representatives from Rudgate, Daleside, Hambleton, Black Sheep and Theakston.

Along with York Brewery itself, they all created winning entries in the Yorkshire Championship of ales, as judged by the punters at the Rotherham Oakwood Beer Festival in February.

Lord Mayor of York Coun Irene Waudby handed out the gongs.

When it comes to small beer, Yorkshire's "the best-served region in the country," said Jim Charters, Rotherham festival organiser.

"We have the most concentrated set of breweries anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland."

The top three beers in order were Rudgate Viking, Theakston Old Peculier and Linfit Enoch's Hammer.

u FROM time to time we at Bar Talk have to bring you the tragic news that a pub or club is closing down.

This week, we have to tell you about one working men's club that is NOT closing; actually quite a lot of places aren't closing, but this WMC has been assailed by rumours to the contrary.

Mick Usher, secretary at Tramways WMC on Mill Street in York, has no idea how the gossip started, although he does know from members that it's reached Acomb. The club hasn't even shut for a refurbishment (at least not recently), and is doing very well thank you.

He is anxious to dispel the rumours, adding that they would be "pleased to see all the members and associate members on a regular basis", which would be any lunchtime except Wednesday (the one time it is shut), or any evening, or even all day Saturday and Sunday.

Tramways WMC has been going for more than 80 years including nearly 40 years in its present building, and has entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

It's also definitely not about to shut.

Updated: 15:53 Friday, April 26, 2002