Departing beer writer DAN BEERGUTSTEIN is quizzed on his drinking days at the Press

Which is your favourite pub in the city?

A difficult question. The Rose & Crown on Lawrence Street (you may have noticed it in the odd story) was my employer on and off for a couple of years, and also was the venue for my pub quiz up until my unfortunate sacking. I seem to know everyone in there, which always helps and it is just a decent, typical, worth-a-visit local - with excellent food.

The Maltings probably offers more and has always provided me with a few lovely drinks of all types as has the First Hussar, North Street.

Both the York Brewery pubs are well worth a visit, especially the Three-Legged Mare, which offers great beer, lovely sandwiches and was opened by me.

Despite some unnecessarily scathing comments, I don't actually mind some of the new wine bars, having spent quite a lot of time in all of them. I must admit I have not been back to Kites since a member of staff said "I hope you die" in response to a legitimate question, but the others still get the odd visit.

Why have you had your photo in the paper so often?

I'm not one to avoid publicity, and hopefully I am now recognisable to more landlords, and therefore have better access to more stories (and more free drinks).

Who is your favourite landlord/lady?

Now there's a question. Shaun Collinge at the Maltings has always been good to me, a great source of stories and Black Sheep. John Cass at the First Hussar has also been particularly friendly and helpful and James Butler, who has run both York Brewery pubs, is very good at his job and would be the first on my list, if I ever bought a pub. But the clear winner has to be Linda Mitchell, my landlady, who hasn't put up my rent for nearly four years.

How many pints have you drunk since you've been here?

Quite a lot. Well if I have averaged two a day, one at lunchtime, one after work, for three-and-a-half years, plus a few evening sessions... that works out at around.... No I can't work it out.

Your favourite country pub?

It is a toss up between the New Inn, at Great Heck - whose Sunday lunches, friendly staff and local atmosphere are almost impossible to beat - and the Lion Inn, at Blakey Ridge, which is a long drive but well worth a visit. As English as you can get.

The pub you have least enjoyed visiting?

I, along with most of York, didn't like the Cock and Bottle conversion to Villiers.

Your worst pint of beer?

A pint of Black Sheep at the Slug and Lettuce.

Your favourite pub meal?

Eating at the Rose & Crown is a treat, especially the ridiculous Aussie burger. The dipping sausages at the Grey Horse are well worth beating the flood waters for and the Sunday lunch at the Junction on Leeman Road is one of the things I'll miss most about living in York.

What will you miss most about being an Evening Press beer writer (apart from free booze and food from friendly landlords in the city)?

The friends, the company, the amiable York spirit, the warm reception that a southerner in the north has received and everything else that will endear landlords to me so I can get free booze and food on my rare returns to this majestic and wonderful historic city.

Cheers.