BEERS have led to cheers for a York city centre bar whose range of beers from around the world has won it national success.

Pivo Café Bar – which has been serving ales with an international flavour for two years – has been named Beer Range Pub Of The Year at The Publican Food & Drink Awards 2009.

The business, which is based in Patrick Pool, off Church Street, and is owned by Jamie Hawksworth, boasts about 17 specialist draft and 75 bottled beers and lagers from throughout Europe and as far afield as the US. Its variety of drinks struck a chord with judges when the winners were announced at a London ceremony this week.

Named after the Czech word for beer, Pivo’s success has now inspired 32-year-old Jamie to launch a similar operation in Sheffield, which is due to open next month. But for now he is just basking in his first bar’s triumph.

He said: “I’m absolutely over the moon as this award represents the hard work and determination by all the team at Pivo.

“The industry is seeing a lot of pubs closing at the moment, so we are going against that trend, and to get this sort of national recognition only two years after we opened reflects the effort we go to in order to source beers from all over the world. It’s all down to determination and vision, having plenty of variety and keeping things fresh.”

Before securing a place at the awards ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel in London’s Park Lane, Jamie and his team at Pivo had to complete an in-depth questionnaire, were put to the test by a mystery customer visit and faced a quizzing by judges about the business.

But they were up to the challenge, which saw Pivo shortlisted among four contenders for the Beer Range Pub category.

“Before the winner was announced, my wife told me I should be pleased just to be nominated, but while that was true, we really wanted to win it so we’re elated that we have,” said Jamie.

“You expect these sort of awards to go to bars down south, so it’s great for York – which has some of the best pubs in the country – to be recognised in this way.”