Gallop this way

I’ve come up trumps a few times in recent years at the races, but much more by luck than judgment – so I’ll spare you the burden of any tips.

There are, however, a few horses I can quite safely back if you’re after a winner.

Take, for example, The White Horse in Bootham, where I went for this week’s little sortie.

This place lies just outside the Bar Walls at Bootham Bar, backing on to Exhibition Square, making it a convenient first stopping point for anyone arriving into the city by bus, as well as the hordes heading along Bootham or Gillygate.

It is one of only four Thwaites pubs in York, meaning you get a nice selection of beers a bit different from the norm.

I ought to declare something of an interest here, in that this was my local for a couple of years when I lived off Bootham and it remains a regular meeting spot for my football club.

But if you think I may be biased, then take it from the experts – just this week, the White Horse secured Cask Marque accreditation, recognising the quality of its real ales, testament to the work of Dan and Racheal Murphy since they took over in 2006.

My favourite of the Thwaites offerings on the bar is the Wainwright (4.1 per cent ABV), a golden ale that has the colour and smell of straw and a slight toffee-ness to the taste.

The flavour is subtle without being bland and it’s an all-round enjoyable and refreshing pint.

When I was in last Saturday I followed a pint of that with a pint of Summat Special (4 per cent ABV), an IPA with a real bitter tang. The cascade hops give this a splendid lemon kick, which I found really enjoyable.

If you are after something stronger, you’re more likely to enjoy the Bomber (4.4 per cent ABV), a copper-coloured ale with a malty biscuity body and a flavour reminiscent of dried fruit.

I invariably focus on the ales, but others are also well-catered for at the Horse, with a range of lagers on tap and bottled beers. Kaltenberg Hell (4.1 per cent ABV) is a punchy, refreshing lager, and there is also Warsteiner Export, Carling, Foster’s and Kingstone Cider.

Away from the bar, this is always a good spot for live football, with four TVs dotted around the pub. There’s also a pool table in the side room, and B&B accommodation upstairs.

Shorts...

Shorts *You may have seen in The Press yesterday that The Junction in Leeman Road is to re-open on Monday. I’ll head along and let you know next week what I make of it. I’d be interested too to hear from anyone else who ventures along.

*The Hole in the Wall in High Petergate looks to be undergoing a facelift, with new lettering on the front and a new hanging sign too. Curiously, it shows St Mary’s Abbey – which seems incongruous with the local story that the pub was named after a secret door in the Minster.

*Thanks to those now following this column on twitter. Anyone else interested, see twitter.com/pintsofview