GAVIN AITCHISON makes a happy return to the Deramore Arms in Heslington.

WE’VE been here before, not too long ago in fact – but it certainly wasn’t like this.

When Pints of View wandered down to the Deramore Arms in Heslington, in early November, the beer range was decent and the welcome was friendly, but the place was virtually deserted.

Myself and the new owner Pete Atkinson made up half the entire crowd all night, but he put a brave face on it. Come back after the refurbishment, and it’ll be much better and busier, he said.

He wasn’t wrong.

A brief closure and £100,000 or so of investment has well and truly rejuvenated this old village pub.

When our picture editor, Martin Oates, and I went to take a look on Wednesday night, it was positively thriving and Pete could feel rightly vindicated. There were groups of regulars, students and Science Park employees alike, all seemingly in good spirits, and Oatesy – himself local to these parts – noted a buzz that had been missing for a long time.

The structural changes have been decisive but not radical: a new window in the back room to give more light, new signs to smarten up the frontage, the removal of the TVs and the removal of a partition wall to the left as you enter. But as a whole, the pub now feels much cheerier and livelier.

The new manager Leesa Smith is clearly enthusiastic and both she and Pete seem intent on making the Deramore a homely pub, serving good ale and good food, and immersed in its community.

The signs are certainly promising.

Works by a local artist are displayed on the walls, the menu is being developed with fresh, local produce, including from Ged Bell butcher’s in Dringhouses, and there are eight hand-pulls on the bar, albeit not all in use midweek.

In recent days they have boasted some excellent beers, including St Austell’s Tribute and both Curious and Dark Arts from Huddersfield’s Magic Rock Brewery, alongside the regulars of Leeds Pale and Black Sheep Best.

Magic Rock’s impressive High Wire was also available, on keg.

The improvements are clear to see and Leesa says the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Everyone is really happy that they have their local back,” she says. “They appreciate the fresh start and people have all been getting really interested in the beers coming on.”

Future plans include the introduction of a new wine menu, a possible children’s playground at the back, an outside chance of some brewing on-site, and a Yorkshire ales festival on the Jubilee weekend in June.

By that time, word of mouth and some more great beers will hopefully have helped the Deramore to cement its reputation within York’s beer scene once again.

Shorts

• YORK’S two JD Wetherspoon pubs, The Punch Bowl in Blossom Street and The Postern Gate in Piccadilly, are taking part in the company’s 19-day beer festival, which began on Wednesday, March 14, and runs until April 1. There will be 50 cask ales, including some from Russia, South Africa, Norway, the USA and Belgium, as well as the UK.

• THERE is a St Patrick’s beer festival from 11am today in Bishopthorpe Sports and Social Club. There will be ten real ales, including two from Ireland and Kettle Drum from York’s new Treboom Brewery, as well as a Welsh cider and two continental lagers. Entry is free, but glasses are £1.50.

•Follow Gav on twitter @pintsofview