There's no denying that it doesn't even have a bar - but that didn't stop those wags at CAMRA making the Jug and Bottle off-licence in Bubwith their pub of the summer season.

The former abattoir and butcher's on the border of East and North Yorkshire has certainly proved itself a cut above the rest with a tempting selection of real ales, bottled beers, ciders and wine.

Owner Louise Rayfield has thrown everything into making the shop a hub of all things tasty. It has expanded its range to include a delicatessen counter and freshly-baked bread.

In fact, the former York student is having a golden year of celebration as she will also soon be swapping beer tokens for gambling chips when she heads to Las Vegas for a glittering wedding in the New Year.

She said although regular customers now come from far and wide, there are still village residents who express surprise that this celebrated beer stop is on their doorsteps.

"People come for the good quality beer, I've always got a Timothy Taylor beer on draught to take-away and we've got bottled beers from as far away as Cornwall and Wales," she said.

CAMRA members (that's the Campaign For Real Ale, of course) are commandeering a minibus to head down to Bubwith a present the award today and are then embarking on a beery tour of the area.

Meanwhile Louise is working hard preparing for her wedding. The latest news is that Sue Simpson, at the nearby Brown Cow Brewery, will be creating a special brew for the occasion.

What with wedding bells sounding and the clinking of beer glasses toasting her latest success it's a wonder that anyone struggles to find this goldmine for beer fans. Cheers!

BAR Talk salutes new landlord Paul Harris for breathing new life into a pub in Acomb. Paul has carried out a one-man revolution at the pub in Kingsway West, formerly the Acomb Hotel, renamed The Acomb.

His revamp includes installing children's facilities, new pub teams and the restoration of the building's historic clock tower.

"This is a fresh start and I hope people will give us a chance," said Paul, a bodybuilder and pool champion. We wish him well.

WHERE have all the foosballs gone? The BFA recently changed its name to the Bar Foosball Association (table top football to the rest of you), and recommended some places to go play it in York, but what has happened to them?

The Grapes' table went after their refurb. The one at the Rose And Crown in Lawrence Street wasn't there last time we checked, leaving one to our knowledge at Guppies on Nunnery Lane.

If any other pubs have one, can they please tell us where they are, so that the Inter-Bar Talk challenge can finally take place!

Following last week's guide to some of the best beer gardens in York, we decided to go further afield in search of al fresco refreshment.

With the assistance of a friend with a car who is off the beer and off her motorbike (a large bump at the front prevents her from turning the handle bars, at least for another 14 weeks) we enjoyed a very pleasant evening at The Feathers in Helmsley.

There was a good mix of people there: families with children, couples, younger drinkers and bikers. They sat in the cool of the old pub, or lounged about on the benches outside catching the last of the sun (there is at a beer garden at the rear too, according to the signs). A truly traditional pub, not styled that way for marketing reasons, what a pleasant change.

Updated: 17:04 Friday, July 25, 2003