RICHARD CATTON visits the refurbished Golden Fleece on Pavement

THE Golden Fleece in Pavement is among that small but elite group of pubs which can rightly be described as iconic when it comes to their place in York.

Along with, say, The Roman Bath or Ye Olde Starre Inn, The Golden Fleece and it’s famous gilded ram watching over the shoppers and tourists of York, are part of the fabric of the city centre.

The observant among you may have noticed that in recent days, that famous ram is now gleaming again after a fresh coat of paint. Indeed the whole exterior of the historic pub has had a tidy up.

On Wednesday, The Golden Fleece will re-open its doors, under new management, following a brief closure last week for the redecoration.

New owners at such a well-loved establishment can cause those who hold the British pub dear to shift uneasily on their bar stools. However, during a visit from Pints of View to see how work was progressing, the new owners assured us the look and character of the Fleece is safe with them.

Landlady Stephanie Macklewain-Cross previously helped husband Andy run another iconic and reputedly well-haunted York ale house, The Black Swan in Peasholme Green.

When the Grade II-listed building became available, the couple jumped at the opportunity to take it on and Stephanie will now leave Andy in charge at the Black Swan while she runs things in Pavement.

“The pubs both have things in common,” she said. “We are two of the oldest pubs in York and there are natural ties – it’s a nice combination.”

One of the first jobs after picking up the keys to the Golden Fleece was sprucing up that famous pub sign hanging above the door.

“It was as black as your hat,” she said. “We want to turn the black sheep back to gold. It’s a real icon in York, right at the bottom of the Shambles. York should be proud of it.

“The pub is not going to change in its character,” she said. “We just want to return the pub to its former glory and make York proud of it.”

As well as the usual range of lagers and spirits, the Fleece will also be offering a regular rotation of guest ales and will stock popular cask ales such as York Brewery’s award-winning Yorkshire Terrier and the dark-ruby Centurion’s Ghost Ale.

The ubiquitous Black Sheep will also be on cask as well as two from Theakston’s, its XB and the ever popular Old Peculiar. All cask ales will be on sale for £3.10.

Unfortunately we weren’t able to try any of the beers on our visit because of the extensive clean-up taking place but you should be familiar with all of the above anyway. The Fleece will also be hoping to follow in the footsteps of its Peasholme Green sister pub in obtaining Casque Mark recognition – awarded to pubs for the quality of their ales which are inspected twice a year.

Stephanie says that in the coming weeks the Fleece will also be getting a new food menu and extended serving hours thanks to the new chef Anna Plews.

Stephanie said: “Food will be available throughout the day. The plan will be to offer day and evening food.”

The Golden Fleece opens to customers on Wednesday.

* DON’T forget to visit the Tockwith Beer festival this afternoon which takes place on the village sports field, from noon.

This very well organised event runs until 10pm and features an impressive 30 ales as well plenty of pies and peas, live music and children’s entertainment. Proceeds from the day will go to the funds of Tockwith Primary School.

What are you waiting for?

More information at tockwithbeerfestival.co.uk