Sign of the times

So how does Pubmaster decide to advertise this ancient gem? With this appalling sign, that's how.

Pubmaster took over the Fossgate pub after Sunderland brewers Vaux closed down. The pub group's bosses clearly boast too large an ego to have considered replacing the modest Vaux logo on the previous sign with their own.

Instead they commissioned this monstrosity, more suited to a garish Blackpool fun pub than to a place that is York's only representative in Camra's National Inventory of outstanding pub interiors. All that enormous Pubmaster logo does is draw attention to the philistines who created it.

This is the third Blue Bell sign in recent years. When John Smith had the pub, the sign was nice enough, but the Vaux version was, to our eyes, just about perfect. Discreet and tasteful, rather like the boozer itself.

Now the old sign has been confined to the pub's cellar while our eyes are affronted by this wrong ringer. Pubmaster, you have dropped a clanger.

If you know of a worse pub sign than this contact Bar Talk on (01904) 653051 ext 337.

PS Get well soon to the Blue Bell's indomitable landlady Eileen Worrall, who has lost her voice due to a chest infection. We thought it was a bit quiet around here...

u THIRSTY work, moving in God's mysterious ways. But fortunately the Minster Inn has come to the rescue.

Actors and technicians in the Millennium Mystery Plays are due to get off work at 10.50pm every night, leaving little time for a relaxing, post-production pint.

"A few of my customers are in it and they asked if we could get a late licence," explained Minster Inn landlady Maggie Reed.

No objections were raised and so the Marygate pub will be open until midnight throughout the Mystery Plays run at York Minster, from June 21 to July 22.

u AS promised, Bar Talk has some more information on the proposed refurb at the Spread Eagle, Walmgate, which is as close to hacks' hearts as it is to our desks.

The facts we have managed to glean so far are as follows.

1. Its interior is to be given a major revamp by new owners the Wolverhampton & Dudley brewery, most likely including the bar being moved.

2. It is due to shut down in September for the facelift.

3. Even though the changes are only internal, W&D will need to secure planning permission as the Spread is a Grade II listed building.

4. Those plans are likely to be submitted in about four-six weeks.

5. Real ale from York Brewery is no longer to be required.

The rumours are as follows:

1. The multi-room layout is to be knocked into one vast soulless warehouse (sacrilege)

2. A giant screen is to be installed.

3. Live animal sacrifices are to take place after the weekly pub quiz

(nb - we made one of these rumours up).

Reassuringly a spokeswoman for the brewers said that they would "keep the traditional feel of it and make it more comfortable". More when it comes in.

u WHATEVER happens to the Spread a beacon of good pubbery is soon to open within staggering distance of it.

Work is well underway at The Last Drop Inn in Colliergate, York Brewery's first boozer.

Brewery boss Tony Thomson is hopeful of being granted a full licence on July 20, enabling the Last Drop to open soon afterwards.

The property, which dates from around 1650, posed a few problems for builders which have now been overcome. Tony is currently interviewing for the job of licensee.

"The intention is we'll have six hand-pulled ales, four of our own including Stonewall and Yorkshire Terrier, and two guest beers."

His latest creations are Summer Breeze, a 4.5 per cent ABV "balanced fruity and malty beer" and Referee's Revenge brewed for Euro 2000.

Talking of which, the brewery crew had a better time than most of us during the England-Portugal game. They were enjoying their delayed Christmas do on a boat on the Ouse at the time.

u FOR special summer offers, dip into the Roman Bath, St Sampson's Square, York. Between 4pm and 7pm Monday to Friday, John Smith's, both cask and smooth, is £1.20 a pint; Carling and Foster's lager is £1.50, as is Guinness Extra Cold.