18 November 2008

Shipley MP Philip Davies called in to the Brown Cow, Bingley last Friday evening to present landlady Adele Purton with a certificate from the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group commending the Timothy Taylor owned pub for its great beer and food.

Philip, who used to work for Asda before taking his seat at Westminster, said: “Pubs have been going through tough times recently, particularly since the smoking ban. However, well run pubs like the Brown Cow that offer a warm welcome coupled with excellent food and quality beers will always play a vital role in the community. As a group we are more than happy to support the British pub, which is part of our heritage. I congratulate Adele and all her staff on the fantastic job they are doing.”

The Parliamentary Beer Group initiative is endorsed by Beautiful Beer, a national scheme launched in 2006 by the British Beer & Pub Association to acknowledge and reward licensees serving outstanding cask, bottled and keg beers.

The Brown Cow holds not only the highly acclaimed Beautiful Beer Gold award but also the Cask Marque award. Both accolades recognise the quality of a pub’s beer and to qualify Adele and her staff had to pass a rigorous ‘cellar to glass’ assessment.

Commenting on this latest stamp of approval from the Parliamentary Beer Group Adele said: “It is very much a team effort at the Brown Cow so my thanks go to everyone for their hard work and commitment.”

On the food front chef Jenni Butler has just put together a special 3-course Christmas menu plus coffee and mince pies for only £19.95. Individual and party bookings are now being taken for this special menu which is available, in addition to the pub’s usual menu, in the build up to Christmas.

27 October 2008

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Timothy Taylor, brewers of Madonna’s favourite English ale, has entered into a ground-breaking partnership which sees Ossett Brewery take over the running of the Albert Hotel in Keighley.

The town centre tavern re-opened earlier this month following a refurbishment and is now being managed by Lori Parsons and her partner Mark Wood. The highly experienced couple have moved across from running another Ossett owned pub, the Riverhead Brewery Tap and Dining Room in Marsden, near Huddersfield. They intend to build on the Albert’s reputation as a real ale pub and will offer a choice of at least 10 cask beers including an extensive range of Ossett Brewery ales and rotating guests from around the country. Ossett has 5 permanent beers plus 2 monthly specials.

Commenting on the move to Keighley Lori said: “Moving into Timothy Taylor’s heartland is a real challenge for Mark and I. Ossett Brewery, however, has a winning formula which works well in other areas so we are confident it will be just as successful in Keighley. As well as the Ossett range of beers we will be offering a regular rotating choice of guests. We will, of course, be keeping at least one Taylor’s beer.” She added: We are continuing to sponsor the pub’s football and pool teams and early next year we intend to introduce food.”

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin said: “This is the first time we have entered into a tenancy agreement with another brewery. It is, however, a growing trend across the country and one which I am sure will be mutually beneficial for both Ossett and ourselves.”

Ossett Brewery’s Managing Director Jamie Lawson added: “The Albert fits well into our growing portfolio of pubs in West Yorkshire. It’s our first pub in the Keighley area and gives us an ideal opportunity to introduce our beers to the locals who appreciate good cask ale.”

The brewery was started by Jamie’s father Bob Lawson who has spent over 40 years as a brewer, including 25 years with Joshua Tetley. The first beer, aptly named ‘Bobby Dazzler’ was brewed in 1998 and was an instant success. Since then the growing range of beers has won numerous prizes at beer festivals including ‘Excelsior’ being voted Supreme National Champion Beer at the prestigious Society of Independent Brewery Beer Awards.

12 November 2008

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Experienced licensees Roy and Pat Pritchard have taken the tenancy of the
Timothy Taylor owned Cross Inn at Heptonstall.

The couple have run a number of pubs in their 18 years in the trade and have moved to West Yorkshire following a successful stint running the Ferry Boat at Winteringham on Humberside.

The practical knowledge the couple have gained is already beginning to be put to good use in the changes they have made at the Cross.

Roy is a knowledgeable cask ale man and is serving the full range of Timothy Taylor’s five beers, all in prime condition. He also does the cooking and has reintroduced what he describes as traditional, freshly prepared pub food including Sunday lunch with a choice of four meats and fresh vegetables for £5.75. Served seven days a week from 12 noon to early evening the menu includes many favourite dishes plus baguette sandwiches, filled baked potatoes and tasty vegetarian options. Thursday is couples night with any 2 meals plus a bottle of wine for just £20, whilst Friday is ‘Fish Special’ day. Roy has also introduced Take Away Curries for only £6 which are proving to be very popular.

On the entertainment front the Cross now offers all the top sporting events from Sky and Setanta on a giant screen and an early evening quiz every Sunday for £3 including supper.

Roy and Pat also plan to make Friday night entertainment night with, amongst other things, live bands and open Mike Nights.

Commenting on the move Roy said, “When our previous landlord threatened to double our rent we knew it was time to move on. We saw the Cross on the Timothy Taylor website and when we came to look we knew immediately it was our kind of pub with bags of potential. We also fell in love with the village. Plus as a cask ale man the opportunity to serve Taylor’s beers was one I just couldn’t resist.”

Pat added, “We’re right in the heart of the village and intend to immerse ourselves in the community. We are already collecting for next year’s Heptonstall Festival and are planning a kids Christmas Party.”

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin commented, “The Cross could not be in better hands. They are making long term plans and I’m sure they will be successful. Everyone at Taylor’s wishes them the best of luck."

6 November 2008

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Barry & Carol Taylor of the Brown Cow, Keighley have won a number of CAMRA accolades in the last few years but last Saturday they were in celebratory mood as they reached new heights when they were awarded runner-up in CAMRA’s Regional Pub of the Year.

“This is a great honour for us”, said Barry. “When you consider there are thousands of pubs in the Yorkshire area this is quite an achievement. Apparently we were only pipped by half a point by a pub in Sheffield.”

Mike Moss, CAMRA’s Regional Director for Yorkshire and the North East, along with Colleen Holiday, Chair of the Keighley & Craven Branch, presented Barry and Carol with a framed plaque to mark the occasion.

Mike Moss commented: “Barry and Carol run a fantastic little community pub with a really friendly atmosphere. They offer a great choice of cask conditioned ales that are always in superb condition. To be voted runner-up by our members out of the whole of the Yorkshire and the North East region demonstrates the popularity and appeal of the Brown Cow.”

4 November 2008

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Hot on the heels of gaining the Cask Marque award, in July, Trudy Pilmoor and Simon Brown of The White Swan, Fence have picked up the highly acclaimed Beautiful Beer Gold Award. Both awards recognise the quality of a pub’s beer and to qualify Trudy and Simon had to pass a rigorous ‘cellar to glass’ assessment.

Beautiful Beer is a national scheme launched in 2006 by the British Beer and Pubs Association to acknowledge and reward licensees serving outstanding cask, bottled and keg beers.

Commenting on this latest achievement Trudy said: “This Beautiful Beer award endorses The White Swan’s reputation for serving beer in perfect condition. You are only as good as your last pint so consistency is everything. The assessor sampled a number of our beers and their consistent quality was something he commented on specifically.”

It is only 9 months since the couple took over the Timothy Taylor owned White Swan but in that time the popular village pub has also gained a growing reputation for serving excellent home made food prepared using locally sourced produce.

Now the long winter evenings have arrived an open fire guarantees a warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere. With Christmas approaching Trudy and Simon are looking forward to a busy festive season.

Simon said: “Basically we are open throughout Christmas and New Year. Our special festive fayre menu starts on 1st December and is ideal for a celebratory meal out with family, friends or small office parties. Then on Christmas Day we will be serving a superb 5-course luncheon. On New Year’s Eve we will be hosting a ticket only party.”

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin added: “Trudy and Simon are totally committed to offering the very highest standard of beer and food service and this latest award is testimony to the standards they have achieved”.

For more details of The White Swan’s Christmas festivities or to make a booking just ring Trudy or Simon on 01282 611773.

27 October 2008

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Hot on the heels of gaining the Cask Marque award in July Adele Purton at the Brown Cow, Bingley has picked up the highly acclaimed Beautiful Beer Gold award. Both awards recognise the quality of a pub’s beer and to qualify Adele and her staff had to pass a rigorous ‘cellar to glass’ assessment.

Beautiful Beer is a national scheme launched in 2006 by the British Beer and Pubs Association to acknowledge and reward licensees serving outstanding cask, bottled and keg beers.

Commenting on this latest achievement Adele said: “This Beautiful Beer award endorses the Brown Cow’s reputation for serving beer in perfect condition. You are only as good as your last pint so consistency is everything. The assessor sampled a number of beers and their consistent quality was something he commented on specifically.”

It is only 9 months since Adele took over the Timothy Taylor owned Brown Cow but in that time the Ireland Bridge pub has also gained a growing reputation for serving excellent food prepared using locally sourced produce.

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin added: “Adele and her team are totally committed to offering the very highest standard of beer and food service and this latest award is testimony to those standards. I congratulate Adele and all her staff."

27 October 2008

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Since taking over the reins at the Grouse Inn Mark Narey and his business partner, chef Karl Rowlett have transformed this rural Bronte Country inn, with its spectacular views, into a recognised destination food pub.

This reputation was further enhanced recently when the Grouse was runner up in the prestigious White Rose Awards ‘Pub of the Year’ organised by the Yorkshire Tourist Board.

Now the Timothy Taylor owned pub has achieved top rating – 5 out of 5 stars - in the ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme run by Bradford District Council’s Department of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

The Grouse is one of only a limited number of pubs in the Bradford District to achieve a 5 star rating.

Backed by the Food Standards Agency the nationally run scheme, which has been embraced by over 70 local authorities, enables members of the public to check out hygiene and food preparation standards in restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels, not just locally but throughout the country.

Anyone wishing to check out the ratings of their local eatery can do so on the ‘Scores on the Doors’ website www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin commented: “The Grouse serves excellent home cooked food which Karl and his kitchen staff prepare on site using only the freshest local produce. This latest accolade is just reward for all the hard work and commitment Mark, Karl and their staff have put in over the last few years”.

Not that the Grouse is all about food, earlier in the year the quality of its beers was also recognised when it picked up the prestigious Cask Marque Award.

27 October 2008

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Since taking over the reigns at the Burlington Arms in Keighley from her parents Gordon & Christine, Tina Peacock has maintained the Timothy Taylor owned pub’s reputation for serving good quality beers. That reputation has now been recognised by being awarded the prestigious Cask Marque Award.

Cask Marque is an independent organisation responsible for monitoring cask ale quality nationwide. Special plaques are awarded to pubs passing the rigorous tests carried out by trained beer assessors for keeping and serving ale to the highest standard.

Commenting on the award Tina said, “Mum and Dad were a hard act to follow so I’m obviously delighted with this award. Being a Keighley town centre pub our customers expect a good, value for money pint. Luckily I still have Dad, who’s always around to keep me on my toes!”

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin added, “As a company, Taylor’s is committed to upholding the traditions of the English pub. By winning this award Tina and her staff have demonstrated the Burlington is in safe hands, serving fine beers”.

22 September 2008

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Since taking over as Manager of the Royal Oak on Kirkgate earlier in the year Adrian Sykes together with his team including Head Chef Calvin Goddard and Assistant Manager Lucy Slater have certainly enhanced the Timothy Taylor owned pubs reputation for serving quality food and beers. That reputation has now been further boosted by being awarded the prestigious Cask Marque for the quality of its beer.

Cask Marque is an independent organisation responsible for monitoring cask ale quality nationwide. Special plaques are awarded to pubs passing the rigorous tests carried out by trained beer assessors for keeping and serving ale to the highest standards.

The Royal Oak joins a growing number of Taylor’s pubs to pick up the Cask Marque award. Tied Estate Operations Manager Marc Craddock commented “As well as serving excellent beers The Royal Oak has now become an established Ripon eatery and that is down to Adrian and his team whose commitment and enthusiasm shine through in every aspect of the service they provide. This accolade reflects all the hard work they have put in over the last 8 months”.

In addition, The Royal Oak features, for the first time, in the recently launched CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) 2009 Good Beer Guide.

Last year Timothy Taylor’s classic strong pale ale, Landlord, was voted Yorkshire’s favourite cask ale in the first Cask Marque ‘Best of British Beer’ Awards. Split into regions these national awards were organised in association with the Daily Telegraph. Landlord was the only beer to win two regions, also coming out top in the North West.

12 September 2008

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Rachel Winters and partner Simon Hunnam are the new management team at The Shepherds Arms in the centre of Colne.

Both Rachel and Simon have just left the Army and are confident their military training has given them the determination and dedication necessary to make a success of their new challenge. The couple have been joined by highly experienced Ken Houston, who returns to the Shepherds, after a number of years, as Assistant Manager.

The popular Timothy Taylor owned pub is due for a ‘face lift’ in November, just prior to the busy Christmas period. Rachel said: “Once the refurb is complete we will re-introduce food but in the meantime we’ve something happening every night, from Karaoke to live bands. It is also the place to watch sport in Colne.

Simon, who hails from the North East, spent 14 years with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment – now 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment – a regiment Timothy Taylor has had close ties with for many years. Indeed a former employee, Private Arthur Poulter, won a Victoria Cross whilst serving as a stretcher-bearer with the Dukes during the First World War. He carried 10 men to safety under heavy artillery and machine gun fire during the great German offensive of 1918. When asked by a local journalist on his return to Leeds where he got his strength he replied: “It was now’t really – I was used to carrying heavy sacks of barley at Timothy Taylor maltings”.

Taylor’s Tied Estate Operations Manager Marc Craddock commented: “Rachel and Simon’s enthusiasm and their professional approach to the job really shine through. I’m sure they will make a great success of running the Shepherds.”

11 September 2008

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Other changes include opening all day from 12 noon to 11pm and also introducing bar food which will be served throughout the day. Tony and Nick, who have run a bar/restaurant in Spain for five years, are keen to use their experience and develop the food side of the business.

Nick added, “Good quality simple pub grub complemented by a selection of cask ales is our aim. We are also in the throes of putting together a special Christmas menu”.

At the Slubbers you won’t find modern distractions such as TV, piped music or gambling machines but as winter approaches Tony and Nick will guarantee a warm welcome by stoking up the real fire in the traditional Yorkshire range. They are also looking to develop a small meeting room and extend the small beer garden but, as they said, this will probably have to wait now until the warmer weather returns next year.

The Slubbers is owned by award winning Keighley Brewer Timothy Taylor. Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin commented, “The Slubbers has real potential which I’m sure Tony and Nick will exploit to the full.”

28 August 2008

As part of the company’s 150th Anniversary celebrations Timothy Taylor re-introduced Havercake Ale earlier in the year, the beer it first brewed in 2002 to mark the Tercentenary of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment.

This was the third brewing of this very special pale ale described by Head Brewer Peter Eells as ‘A robust Yorkshire ale (4.7% ABV) brewed to match the qualities of the famous West Riding Regiment – it has strength, balance, clarity and a good head!”

Like its two predecessors this latest brew was available on draught and in bottles and proved extremely popular, selling out within weeks of going on sale in selected outlets throughout Yorkshire and East Lancashire.

The bottled version was particularly well received, catching the eye of the judges at the highly coveted British Bottlers’ Institute annual awards and winning a Silver Medal in Class B – 4% to 4.9% ABV category.

One or two barrels were, however, kept on one side for three parties in July when the Keighley brewer entertained over 600 guests including Shareholders, customers, suppliers and staff to thank them for their continued support in its special year.

As many of you will know, soldiers of the 3rd Battalion have always been affectionately nicknamed ‘The Havercake Lads’. The name is derived from the oatmeal bread cake which for centuries was a staple food of the Pennine towns and villages. Reputedly the recruiting sergeant went around with a Havercake on his sword when out looking for ‘volunteers’. It seems the promise of being regularly fed on Havercakes was an irresistible bait. No doubt plenty of ale also played its part in the process!

Timothy Taylor has long had close ties with the ‘Dukes’. Indeed, Timothy Taylor himself was a member of the Volunteer Rifle Corps based in Keighley in 1859. Since that time, through successive generations, members of the brewery staff have served with the regiment – most notably Pte Arthur Poulter, who won a VC in April 1918 whilst serving as a stretcher bearer. History reveals that Private Poulter worked in the brewery’s maltings in Leeds just prior to the outbreak of war. He was awarded the Victoria Cross after rescuing 10 badly wounded men whom he carried on his back to safety under intense enemy machine gun and artillery fire. All this took place close to the railway crossing at Erquinghem-Lys during the German offensive of April 1918. When asked by a local journalist where he got his strength from he put it down to his days working for Timothy Taylor humping sacks of barley.

In 1998 the ‘Dukes’ provided the guard of honour when the small French town erected a memorial to Arthur Poulter to mark the 80th anniversary of the Armistice. The regiment returned to the town in 2005 when they were honoured with the keys of the town and Timothy Taylor provided the ales for the reception which included Havercake Ale.

Managing Director Charles Dent said “On two occasions Timothy Taylor’s cask conditioned English ale has been served to the French townsfolk and they loved it. This perhaps is no surprise, for as the mayor of Erquinghem-Lys explained, it’s an area of Northern France that produces and appreciates good beer!”

5 August 2008

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The Town Hall Tavern, Timothy Taylor’s popular Leeds city centre pub, is toasting yet another CAMRA Pub of the Season award.

In the last few years John and Lorraine Mitchell have earned a reputation for serving excellent cask conditioned ales and have won a number of CAMRA accolades. This time they picked up the Summer Pub of the Season award after Leeds and District CAMRA members tasted a variety of the beers on offer at the Westgate pub.

John Mitchell said “We’re obviously delighted with this latest award. Serving quality beers in prime condition has always been our aim. It is what customers of the Town Hall Tavern expect.”

In addition John and Lorraine hold the Cask Marque certificate of Excellence and the Beautiful Beer Gold Award. At the beginning of the year they were also given a top 5 star rating for their food hygiene under the Food Standards Agency ‘Scores on Doors’ scheme.

The Town Hall Tavern regularly serves four Timothy Taylors beers including Madonna’s favourite Landlord.

John and Lorraine received their Pub of the Season Plaque in recognition of their achievement from John Roe, Chairman of Leeds & District CAMRA.

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Since taking over the tenancy at the Bown Cow, Bingley in February Adele Purton has enhanced the Timothy Taylor owned pub’s reputation for serving quality beers by gaining the prestigious Cask Marque award

Cask Marque is an independent organisation responsible for monitoring cask ale quality nationwide. Special plaques are presented to pubs passing the rigorous tests carried out by trained beer assessors for keeping and serving ale to the highest standards.

As well as excellent beers, including all five of Taylor’s awarding –winning cask ales, the pub is also enjoying a growing reputation for serving good wholesome pub food. All the food is freshly prepared using locally sourced produce wherever possible.

Adele is delighted with the Cask Marque award and the response to the new menu. “The Brown Cow has always been a popular, traditional Bingley pub. My aim is to build on that reputation and make it ‘the must visit pub’ in the area for both beer and food. I am also looking at the possibility of restarting Jazz Nights, hopefully in September.”

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin said: “As a company, Taylor’s is committed to upholding the traditions of the English pub. By winning this award Adele and her staff have demonstrated the Brown Cow is in safe hands, serving quality pub food and fine beers.”

23 July 2008

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The Fleece Inn, Haworth has become the first pub in Yorkshire to be awarded the much coveted Beautiful Beer Platinum Award.

For Nick Hindle, who took over the tenancy of the Timothy Taylor owned Fleece just over 18 months ago, this is the latest in a line of awards he has won for the quality of his beers.

Last November he picked up the Beautiful Beer Gold Award after passing a rigorous ‘cellar to glass’ assessment. This had followed hot on the heels of the prestigious Cask Marque Award, again for the quality of the pub’s beers.

Commenting on his latest achievement Nick said: “We thought achieving the Gold award was hard enough but the assessment for the Platinum award was unbelievable. As well as checking the temperature, taste and aroma of the beers they also looked for exacting standards on how every member of staff dispensed the beers and tested their knowledge of each and every one we serve. They also looked for recommendations of matching beers with particular dishes on our menu. It really was a thorough appraisal.”

Timothy Taylor’s Tied Estate Manager Andrew Daykin added: “Nick and his staff are totally committed to offering the very highest standard of beer and food service and this latest award is testimony to those standards. The Beautiful Beer Platinum Award is the highest accolade a licensee can achieve. I congratulate Nick and all his staff.”

Andrew did however issue a word of caution: “Nick will have to remain on his toes for not only do Beautiful Beer reassess annually but they also carry out surprise checks on a regular basis”.

The Beautiful Beer Award is a national scheme launched in 2006 to recognise and reward licensees delivering outstanding bottled, keg and cask beers. At present there are only 12 other holders of the Platinum award in the UK.

As well as the full range of Timothy Taylor ales the Fleece also stocks over 30 fine bottled beers from around the world.

Earlier this year Nick was ‘Highly Commended’ in the Publican Awards ‘Newcomer of the Year’ category. To qualify Nick had to have less than 2 years experience in the trade and demonstrate that hard work and business acumen have created an outstanding pub.

The Publican is one of the licensing trade’s leading magazines and the awards are widely regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of the pub industry. Nick added: “A number of people locally were sceptical that anyone new to the trade could run a pub with a reputation for serving fine ales. These awards I feel, prove a point!”

Nick, however, is not resting on his laurels as he is about to open a cleverly created beer garden at the back of the pub which will seat up to 120 people.

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Since taking over as tenants of The White Swan, Fence in February Trudy Pilmoor and her partner Simon Brown have certainly enhanced the Timothy Taylor owned pub’s reputation for serving quality beers. That reputation has now been enhanced further by gaining the prestigious Cask Marque award.

Cask Marque is an independent organisation responsible for monitoring cask ale quality nationwide. Special plaques are presented to pubs passing the rigorous tests carried out by trained beer assessors for keeping and serving ale to the highest standards.

As well as excellent beers, including Taylor’s award-winning cask ales, the pub is also enjoying a growing reputation for serving traditional, wholesome pub food. All the food is freshly prepared on the premises by Trudy, who sources local produce wherever possible. Now the better weather has arrived, food service times have been extended to Tuesday – Saturday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm and then Sunday all day from 12 noon to 9pm.

Trudy is delighted with the Cask Marque award and the response to the new menu. “Our aim is to make The White Swan the heart of the village community and being recognised for the high standard of the beers we serve certainly will help. On the food front, word is certainly spreading and we’re starting to get really busy. We are attracting an ever-increasing number of regular drinkers and the food is taking off too, to the extent it is now advisable to book at busy times at weekends.”

Other developments include a new outside seating area with heating and lighting, as well as the introduction of an extremely popular Quiz and Curry Supper Night every Wednesday at 8pm for just £5.

This year is Timothy Taylor’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate the occasion the enterprising couple are selling special bottled beer packs and, a little later in the year, organising a Timothy Taylor Quiz Night and a special Free 150 Pints promotion. Details will be posted in the pub and on the couple’s new website www.whiteswanfence.co.uk

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The third year of the Timothy Taylor sponsored Tom Tittiman race from the Hare & Hounds at Old Town was run in wet and windy conditions. Despite this being the middle of summer, the weather man had forecasted gale force winds - but that didn’t put off 68 hardy souls who gathered on the start line.

The early pace was set by Jason Williams, one of a group of a dozen from the Owls Athletic Club in Leicester who make a trip up here every year for these fell races, and who make a weekend of it by staying in the Hare & Hounds. Williams is a fast road and cross-country runner and showed his pace and strength to be first to the top of Tom Tittiman hill and stay in front up to the high point of the race on High Brown Knoll. From there, the runners turned back into the wind to return to the cairn on Tom Tittiman and then to descend back down to the finish line.

Descending is where experienced fell runners have the advantage over those less used to this terrain, and on the way back Williams was caught and passed by James Logue, an international fell-runner and orienteer who has represented Ireland in both disciplines.

Logue built and maintained his lead, to finish the 4-mile route, with 675’ of ascent and descent, in a time of 27 minutes and 52 seconds. This is his second win, having won the inaugural race in 2006.

Williams finished in second place, more than a minute behind Logue, and a very promising up-and-coming runner from Halifax Harriers, the under-18 Steven Bayton was third. Bayton led a trio of Halifax Harriers to win the team prize, with another very quick young lad, under-16 Joseph Crossfield in eighth place and the more experienced Michael Fryer in tenth place.

The first lady back was Christine Preston from Todmorden Harriers who kept ahead of her female rivals all the way round. Preston finished in a time of 37 minutes exactly.

The travelling Leicester Owls didn’t go away empty handed, since their contingent of ladies won the ladies team prize. In fact there were plenty of prizes for the runners - courtesy of trophies, T-shirts and bottles of Landlord supplied by Timothy Taylor.

Shaun and Wendy Dalton, who took over at the Taylor’s owned Hare & Hounds last October, were delighted to continue helping support this, now well established, race.

Shaun said: “It was a great day. Despite the weather everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

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Paul Bennett from Wakefield is the winner of the latest Timothy Taylor website Quiz. He visited the brewery recently to collect his prize which included a cheque for £250, from Head Brewer Peter Eells.

Peter Eells gave the lucky trio a guided tour of the brewery before they went on to sample the beers first hand in one or two Timothy Taylor pubs in Keighley.

Peter commented “Our website competition has now been running for 6 years and is proving to be as popular as ever with this latest quiz attracting more entries than ever. This year is the brewery’s 150th Anniversary and we are in the process of coming up with a special celebration quiz which will be posted on the website in September.”

18 June 2008

Andrew Goodall – Manager of Ferrands Arms, Bingley with Awards. Click to zoom

Since taking over as Manager of the Ferrands Arms, Bingley a year ago Andrew Goodall has certainly enhanced the Timothy Taylor owned pub’s reputation for serving good quality food and beers. That reputation has now been further enhanced by being awarded the prestigious Cask Marque for the quality of its beers.

Cask Marque is an independent organisation responsible for monitoring cask ale quality nationwide. Special plaques are awarded to pubs passing the tests carried out by trained beer assessors for keeping and serving ale to the highest standards.

Earlier in the year the Ferrands achieved top rating – 5 out of 5 Stars – in the ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme run by Bradford District Council’s Department of Environment and Neighbourhoods.

The Ferrands Arms is one of only a limited number of pubs in the Bradford District to achieve a 5 Star rating.

Backed by the Food Standards Agency the nationally run scheme, which has been embraced by over 70 local authorities, enables members of the public to check out the hygiene and food preparation standards in restaurants, pubs, clubs and hotels not just locally but throughout the country.

Anyone wishing to check out the ratings of their local can do so on the ‘Scores on the Doors’ website www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk

Timothy Taylor’s Operations Manager Marc Craddock commented: “Andy’s commitment and enthusiasm shine through in every aspect of the service the Ferrands provides. These accolades are just reward for all the hard work he and his staff have put in over the last 12 months.”

18 June 2008

The Lord Rodney, regarded by many as the oldest pub in Keighley has been brought into the 21st Century with a stylish and sympathetic transformation by local brewer Timothy Taylor. Opening on 20th June, The Lord Rodney will become a focal point in the area offering local and international beers, a tasty modern British menu and a range of cocktails designed by Northern Cocktail Mixer of the Year 2008, Nick Ord.

The £1m investment has seen a partial rebuild of the pub which is thought to date back more than 400 years. Originally called Ye Olde Red Lion, the pub was renamed The Lord Rodney in the late 1700's, in honour of one of the leading British Admirals of the 18th Century, Sir George Brydges Rodney, later Lord Rodney Rear Admiral of Great Britain. The team has used elements of the original pub design to create a clever mix of both modern and traditional styles. Comfy sofas and chairs encourage relaxed drinking and dining and the cosy booth seating means couples or groups of friends can enjoy an intimate night out.

The spectacular new bar will be the focal point of the pub and offers a wide selection of world beers, Timothy Taylor ales, wines and spirits. Nick Ord's impressive cocktail menu will be the talk of the town with some innovative combinations including a British take on the popular Mojito.

An impressive menu has been created to cater for people wanting quick bites, long lunches and hearty dinners. All will be freshly prepared on site using locally sourced produce. From meaty lamb shanks to fillet of sea bass, sharing platters and real puddings, the Lord Rodney is what people living and working in Keighley have been waiting for.

Mark Youd, The Lord Rodney manager said: “The Lord Rodney will be a welcome addition to Keighley, smart and sophisticated, friendly and welcoming. We are a place where friends can meet for for a drink, catch up over lunch or enjoy a big night out, all in total comfort and style. We have also just launched our free membership card with lots of superb offers and events for Lord Rodney members”.

Anyone wanting to keep up to date with news about The Lord Rodney should visit www.lordrodney.co.uk where they can also apply for free membership.

20 May 2008

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The Brown Cow on Cross Leeds Street was officially crowned Keighley & Craven District CAMRA Pub of the Year at a presentation ceremony last Wednesday evening.

For Barry and Carol Taylor this latest accolade is the ultimate endorsement of everything they have achieved in running their successful community pub. Since they took over 5 years ago the couple have been regular CAMRA award winners including ‘Pub of the Season’ on a number of occasions and have also picked up the ‘Mild Trail’ award.

Local CAMRA Chairman Colleen Holiday said: “This is the first time the Keighley & Craven branch has run a pub of the year award. In determining the winner our members looked at a cross-section of criteria including beer quality, customer service, clientele mix and value for money. The whole process took 5 months and the Brown Cow was the clear winner. On behalf of CAMRA I congratulate Barry and Carol - the atmosphere they have created in their pub is very special”.

CAMRA Regional Director Mick Moss added: “I endorse everything Colleen has said. The Brown Cow is a great little pub. It will now go forward to the CAMRA Yorkshire Pub of the Year, the result of which will be known later in the summer. I am sure it will do well.”

The Brown Cow always has four Timothy Taylor award-winning ales on the bar plus two guest beers, usually from small, local breweries. A good selection of German and Belgian bottled beers is always available together with Leffe and real ciders on draught. In the last couple of years the quality of the beer at the Brown Cow has also been recognised through earning the prestigious national Beautiful Beer and Cask Marque awards.

A delighted Carol said: “We are obviously very pleased to have picked up this latest accolade. You won’t find any loud music or TV at the Brown Cow – just good beer, good company and interesting conversation. We also have a strict ‘no swearing’ policy. It’s a formula that seems to work!”

The flavour of the evening was further enhanced by the tasting of Celebration sausages produced especially for the occasion by Roy Dykes, the well-known local butcher. The sausages are made with Timothy Taylor’s Celebration Ale, which was brewed to celebrate the Knowle Spring brewery’s 150th anniversary.

The sausages proved so popular Roy had to be up early the following morning to make some more to meet demand. Not a huge surprise really for as Roy said: “Bangers with beer – an unbeatable combination”.

Roy Dykes Celebration Sausages are available from his stall in Keighley Market. Ring to check availability on 01535 605808.

13 May 2008

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Trudy Pilmoor, who took over the tenancy of the Timothy Taylor owned White Swan at Fence in February, has now been joined by her partner Simon Brown.

This is the couple’s first tenancy but between them they have extensive experience of running pubs. Trudy has, for the last nine years, successfully managed three Timothy Taylor pubs including, most recently, overseeing the refurbishment and relaunch of the Royal Oak in Ripon. Simon, meanwhile, worked in pubs and also ran his own bar in Greece for a number of years prior to pursuing a career in telecommunications in London. He has now moved up to Lancashire to join Trudy full time and they are both relishing the challenge of running their own business. Their aim is to make the
White Swan the heart of the village community and both believe they have the right formula – serving Taylor’s award-winning cask ales and traditional, wholesome pub food.

All the food is freshly made on the premises by Trudy, who sources local produce wherever possible. Now the better weather has arrived and Simon is on board, food serving times have been extended to Monday – Saturday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm.

Trudy is delighted with the response to her new menus. “Word is spreading and we’re starting to get busy. We are attracting an ever-increasing number of regular drinkers and the food is really starting to take off. Last Friday evening, for example, every table was taken.”

Other developments in the pipe line include a covered outside seating area with heating and lighting which will be ready soon and the introduction of a Quiz & Curry Supper Night every Wednesday at 8pm for just £5.

This year is Timothy Taylor’s 150th Anniversary and to celebrate the occasion the enterprising couple are also selling special bottled beer packs which include a bottle of Landlord, Celebration Ale and Havercake Ale, a beer first brewed to recognise the Keighley brewer’s association with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, whose soldiers have always been known as the Havercake Lads.