SPRING has sprung and the clocks are going forward – cheerful times indeed. I was tempted this week to clamber on to my soapbox and lament the injustice of pubgoers once again being targeted in the Budget. But I won’t. We’ve been exploited, but it’s no longer a surprise – so let’s instead look to the positives.

Because if the imminent hike in your bar tab is unpalatable, at least the drinks shouldn’t be. For this coming week is National Cask Ale week, and pubs across York are doing what they can to woo the crowds. If ever a reason were needed to get out of the house and into the pub, then this is it.

Setting the ball rolling is The Old White Swan in Goodramgate, which is hosting a Top of the Hops event tomorrow night. Admission is £10 but that includes a sausage and mash supper and a third of a pint of each of the 11 different competing ales, including Yankee and Good Cheer Beer from Roosters, Rudgate’s Jorvik Blonde and Saltaire Cascade. The whole point of the event is for punters to vote for their number one from the 11 on offer, so I’ll refrain from giving my views in advance on the participants – having seen the list though, it promises to be a good event.

One beer at the “Mucky Duck” which I will comment on is the Everard’s Tiger (4.2 per cent ABV), which I had there on Tuesday night. I’ve touched on this one before, but it’s worth repetition. The toffee-laced pint is sweet and bitter and delightfully soft and would stand out on most bars in my view.

The Old White Swan is rapidly rebuilding a name for itself as a genuinely impressive real ale venue, and it is well worth trying.

Carrying on the Cask Ale Week festivities, the Waggon and Horses in Lawrence Street is hosting a Fem-Ale night on Thursday, aimed at encouraging more women to try real ale. Jaclyn Bateman from Batemans Brewery in Lincolnshire will be offering samples, and there will be food and a quiz as well.

THE Bay Horse at Marygate is coming under new management. Andy Henstock, who led the Lazarus-like revival a year or so ago, is heading for pastures new – somewhat reluctantly.

Andy seemed to be doing a good job, having saved the pub when its conversion into offices looked inevitable, so it will be a shame to see him go.

I’d be interested to hear readers’ experiences of the new bosses though, and will endeavour to get along myself soon to check it out.

*IF you’re out and about this weekend, why not aim for the Wheatsheaf Inn at Burn, near Selby.

Its spring beer festival got under way yesterday and continues today and tomorrow.

There will be ten real ales and if you get there today, you’ll also be able to enjoy some live music.

Our picture shows landlord Andy Howdall checking the guest brews ahead of the event.

Gavin is Yorkshire Columnist of the Year.