EXCITEMENT is mounting on the York drinking scene as building work on the Last Drop Inn continues. Many a thirsty drinker has taken a peek through the windows of the forthcoming Colliergate boozer to see what lies in wait.

Weeks before opening a positive step has been taken, the appointment of a new (and familiar) manager to oversee the running of what could become one of York's most popular ale houses.

James Butler, of the Butler family and Cock and Bottle fame, has been tempted into the managerial role by 'an offer he couldn't refuse'.

Most recently at the Shakespeare, in Scarborough, 35-year-old James is pleased to be returning to York and especially pleased to be working at this particular ale house.

"It is going to be a fantastic place to work, and it will be a great pub," he told Bar Talk with an infectious smile which many a drinker will be pleased to see.

Although maintaining the York Brewery policy of no jukebox and no pool nor darts, James may have secured the rights to be allowed a TV to cover the forthcoming rugby.

But regardless of any accessories in the pub, the undoubted highlight will be the beer.

The York Brewery-owned pub will, of course, be stocking four of its own ales at the bar, and has promised to sell them "at reasonable prices".

Refreshingly, and unlike many other pubs in the city, the pub will have two guest ales as well as offering old favourites and a few cheeky alternative brews.

Six nicely-priced ales in the convivial surroundings of a traditional pub owned by the local brewery with a popular landlord bang in the city centre selling good pub food (including some beer-soaked dishes) with no annoying music and a friendly clientele who share a mutual love of great beer - this is going to be good.

The opening date is yet to be announced, but it is likely to be some time in early August and we can't wait.

u THE Last Drop Inn, with strong links to Dick Turpin including gallows on the sign, is being run in a joint operation with Nottinghamshire-based Tynemill Ltd.

Managing Director Chris Holmes, who already runs 17 pubs, was keen to get involved in the project which involves "small operators getting together to fight the big battalions".

He told Bar Talk of his love for York Brewery products and explained their success in his Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire boozers.

"I am delighted to be involved in this project, we both have a lot of expertise to offer, and it will make a fantastic pub in York."

In an age of wine bars and alcopops many York drinkers would agree.

u STICKING with the real ale theme, congratulations to the Wheatsheaf, Burn. A fifth pump has been added, meaning another real ale will be on offer to the discerning drinkers in the village pub.

Landlord Ian Murray has also recently been selling a 4.6 per cent wheat beer, Rudgate's Myrraj, for only £1.34. If you're lucky there may be some left today, but I drank it on Monday, so don't hold your breath.

u RECENTLY Bar Talk was sent a supply of 'shockproof' and 'unbreakable' beer.

Remarkably the 'revolutionary' 33 Export biere blonde from France arrived intact at our headquarters despite the parcel being destroyed in the post.

A ripped parcel arrived inside a post office polythene bag, but fortunately our beer was uninjured in the accident.

So after the most comprehensive of tests, being shaken around in a post bag, we can reveal that the bottles are indeed unbreakable - and the beer isn't too bad either.

u TWO Australian siblings have taken over the Rose & Crown, Lawrence Street.

Georgia and Paul Clarey, in York already for two years at the Light Horseman and the White Horse, started at the pub at the beginning of the week.

Our marsupial friends have ambitious plans for the pub and will be announcing a new menu, including an early morning breakfast, as well as moving the big screen and re-organising the beer garden.

They will also be re-introducing a happy hour between 5pm and 7pm and are having a bit of a bash on Sunday to celebrate their new arrival in town.