REAL ales are about to be brewed at a York pub after the landlord installed his own micro-brewery.

The Junction Brewhouse in Leeman Road has employed a full-time qualified brewer and will begin making three different ales on Monday, with the aim of serving the first batch by mid-October.

Pete Pendlebury, the landlord of what was formerly The Junction, who has owned pubs in York for the past 15 years, said the idea came to him after he noticed the pubs which did well in the city were the ones which served cask ales.

He said: “I have always wanted to do my own brewing. I have no experience, but I have looked after many pints of cask ales in my time. We have a very good head brewer, who has just graduated from Heriot Watt in Edinburgh.”

Mr Pendlebury, who took over The Junction on January 1, said the brewery would produce three beers, all with a railway-themed name and ranging from a light blonde to a dark stout.

“I think we are York’s only on-site show brewery,” he said. “We will be inviting people to come down and taste from October 13.”

Those inspired by the efforts of the team at The Junction Brewhouse are reminded that this weekend is the final date for entries to York Brewery’s brew your own beer competition.

The Toft Green brewery is inviting people to describe how their perfect pint would taste, look and what strength it would be.

The winner will get to work alongside the team at York Brewery to create their dream tipple after the six finalists are announced early next month.

Entry forms can be picked up from the brewery’s visitor centre in Toft Green or The Yorkshire Terrier in Stonegate, The Last Drop Inn off Kings Square or The Three Legged Mare in High Petergate.

The closing date is Sunday.