YORK'S Britpop legends Shed Seven are Going for Gold with the launch of a beer with the name of the band's biggest selling single.

The band is tippled for the top again prior to its Shed-cember UK tour in November as it relaunches with new songs and a first album in 16 years.

Members of the indie group were at the Old White Swan in Goodramgate on Wednesday night to meet fans and sample the Going for Gold limited edition ale produced by Rudgate Brewery, of Tockwith.

The golden ale with hints of mango has been created in collaboration with the band as part of Nicholson’s Beer Showcase 2017, an annual celebration of ‘Britain’s best breweries and beer’ at Nicholson’s pubs.

“It’s fantastic to drink up a beer made for us by a local brewery and taste it in a bar in our home city first before it goes nationwide,” said frontman Rick Witter.

“We usually drink lager and this ale is nice and fruity. I’m very impressed.

“Music and beer blend together really well and this is something we have discussed after other bands teamed up with breweries. So when we were asked to collaborate it was a no-brainer.”

Shed Seven is going for gold in a big way with the launch of new single Room in My House this week, from the forthcoming album Instant Pleasures, attracting rave reviews from fans on social media. The tour, which starts in November is already two-thirds sold out and two, as yet unannounced, dates are planned for Fibbers in York.

“We have all new material with 12 new songs on the album so this is a new start for us,” said Rick. “In recent years our shows were a nostalgia act, but this is like beginning again. It’s exciting times and we are thrilled that our fans are on board.”

Drummer Alan Leach said: “People who have heard the new album say it is the best work we have ever done. It sounds like us but more modern.”

Craig Lee, managing director of Rudgate Brewery, said he first met Shed Seven in the early 1990s when his university band supported them at Fibbers music venue in York.

“Last year, during a meeting with Nicholson’s Pubs, we discussed previous band and brewery collaborations and it seemed a no-brainer for us to work with Shed Seven – and they were thrilled to be on board,” he said.

“Rick was a judge when we played in the Battle of the Bands contest and we won, so I tracked him down about the beer.

“Deciding to release the beer during the Nicholson’s Beer Showcase was perfect timing too, as it comes just ahead of the band’s forthcoming tour.”

The festival, which runs until October 22, will take place at all Nicholson’s pubs across York, which also include The Punch Bowl in Stonegate, Harkers in St Helen’s Square and The Cross Keys in Goodramgate.

It features 28 new beers and events including guest talks, workshops, tastings, offers and competitions.