A YORK beer lover’s paradise has been named Britain’s best independent craft beer retailer.

The House of Trembling Madness on Stonegate won in the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) annual business awards, with the prize announced in Sheffield on Thursday night

The accolade came as something as a surprise for landlord Ian Loftus, who had opted to stay at home in York with family rather than head to Sheffield. He did not hear about his business’s triumph until late that night, when a congratulatory message arrived from fellow York nominees Brew York.

The next morning more and more messages of congratulations arrived, Ian added, and he soon began to realise how significant the win was.

He added: “Its great for a local independent business in York to gain national recognition.

“We work hard sourcing new up and coming brands as well as stocking the greatest world beers. Our range contains over 1000 different craft ales that change seasonally.

“Hopefully we can continue to develop and grow through the knowledge we have gained and serve the people of York for many years to come.

Ian said: “We are still in limbo over our lease not being extended with Betty’s in 2018 but we are in the process of relocating to a new exciting premises that will be announced later in the year if licenses and planning are granted.”

The House of Trembling Madness was one of a slew of York venues to make it onto the shortlist. Pavement Vaults on the corner of Piccadilly and Coppergate made it into the final for best craft beer restaurant, and Brew York on Walmgate shortlisted in two design categories

Pavement Vault’s owners Pivovar, based in Elvington, scored a total of four nominations and one win, with their pubs York Tap, Sheffield Tap and eventual winner Tapped Leeds, all on the shortlist for best independent craft beer bar or pub in a city.