HERE'S a question that might spark some debate in your local: What's the best street in York for beer lovers?

Micklegate is an easy and decent answer. Years ago it boasted the Micklegate Run. Today, it has a wide range of options, including the excellent Brigantes and Falcon Tap.

Goodramgate is a strong contender too, with traditional pubs such as The Old White Swan, Cross Keys, Snickleway, Royal Oak and Golden Slipper sitting alongside newer bars such as The Habit and Vahe.

Fossgate is mounting a claim, with the historic Blue Bell having been joined latterly by Sutlers, The Hop and The Fossgate Social.

But just outside the bar walls, the landlords of Lawrence Street are now shouting from the rooftops as well.

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True, their street doesn't have as many pubs as some others, and one of its four, The Tam O'Shanter, is soon to close for good.

But for quality if not quantity, the street is a goldmine.

The Rook & Gaskill was last week named pub of the year by the York branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, and across the road Tom and Paula Renshaw at The Waggon and Horses have just been named publicans of the year in Batemans Brewery's annual awards.

Alongside them, The Rose and Crown remains fantastic for food, very good for beer and the best pub in York for whisky lovers.

Batemans say Tom and Paulina were the stand-out publicans across the company. They have increased barrelage by 22 per cent and have developed the accommodation side of the business - all while coping with the exhaustion of new parenthood.

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Paulina and Tom with their baby son Sebastian

Paulina says she and Tom are thrilled, and said: "We’re so pleased that the pub is being recognised for all the aspects it offers to our customers, and we promise to continue working hard and achieving great things for our community.”

York's beer lovers are spoiled for choice in much of the city but it's true that The Rook and The Waggon, between them and individually, excel at offering top-quality beers that are rarely found elsewhere in the city. Anyone looking for something new to try will rarely be disappointed here.

At The Rook on Thursday night, for instance, options included North Riding's Chocolate Porter, Sunbeam's Hip Hip Hooray, Raw's Hopspresso, Mercury Seven by 360° Brewing Company, West's Oktoberfest and Pivovar Matuška Raptor.

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Paul Marshall with his son Johnjo at The Rook & Gaskill

Paul Marshall, who previously ran The Waggon and Horses and who now runs The Rook, says Lawrence Street has improved over the past few years.

"We have three really good pubs on the street, all doing different things. None is trying to compete with each other; they are trying to enhance each other's appeal. The Rose does rooms and good food and does really well, The Waggon is a traditional-style real ale pub and we are more of a beer bar - you get three completely different ambiences down the street.

"We really want to attract more people out of the city-centre - and the prices are better here too."

Is it the best street in York? "Yes," says Paul - "But I've got to say that!"

Is he right? Well, head along and judge for yourself.