Pub’s brewing up for a great 2012 (From York Press)

Brigantes pub hoping to provide “800 beers for 800 years” to mark York anniversary

8:07am Friday 30th December 2011 in Pints of View By Gavin Aitchison, gavin.aitchison@thepress.co.uk

AN award-winning York pub is hoping to offer drinkers more variety than ever next year to help mark an historic city anniversary.

Brigantes, in Micklegate, is hoping to provide “800 beers for 800 years”, to tie in with the York800 celebrations, marking eight centuries since York received its Royal charter as a city.

A range of events have already been planned to mark the anniversary, which will centre around a weekend of celebrations in July, and Brigantes landlord Kev Jones said he was looking forward to joining in the festivities. He said: “Someone brought up the idea of 800 different beers for 800 years and I’m a sucker for a challenge – so I decided to give it a go,” he said.

He has widened his remit, to include ciders and perries, but said it would still be a huge challenge, and he is already planning possible special events or festivals to help him towards the total.

“I think in a typical year, we could do 400 different ones, so I will be going for as much variety as I can possibly get.

“My current hobby is maturing beers – there are a couple I have already bought which will be going on the bar at some point in the year.”

He said he may have to buy only individual casks of most beers, instead of two or three at a time, but said that while some people may be disappointed if their favourite beer was not on the bar for as long, people should enjoy the wider range.

“It will be good to get the variety, and I hope to get some feedback.

“I do not think it would be sensible for anyone to try all 800, but certainly some of them will be in high demand.”

Coun Sonja Crisp, City of York Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, said : “I’m delighted to see a local company like Brigantes stepping up to the York 800 mark in this innovative and interesting way, and I wish them luck with their challenge.

“We’re getting a fantastic response from companies and organisations all over the city now wanting to get involved in York 800, but we are always happy to hear from even more.”

Anyone with ideas can email york800@york.gov.uk