GREAT oackhes from little ackhornes grow. And the fine pub that took root on St Martin's Lane, York, blossomed into the best thing off Micklegate many moons ago.

The Ackhorne's continuing stature as an alehouse of quality has been rewarded again, voted Town Pub Of The Season for winter by those stalwarts from York Camra.

It is the fourth time the pub has taken the award since 1993. This particular gong is a terrific achievement by Simon Furby and Lisa Holden who took it on as their first boozer only two-and-a-half years ago.

Lisa has since moved on, with the good wishes of those at the pub, leaving Simon in sole charge. "I'm really exited," he said. "All the hard work by everyone at the Ackhorne has paid off.

"It's really well done to everybody. It makes you feel special."

A pub that has Rooster's Yankee and Deuchars on as its permanent beers is special enough. But it also has three rotating guests and a truly welcoming atmosphere.

No juke box allows chat to flow freely between the drinkers, who come in all shapes, sizes and ages. "We are a proper traditional boozer," says Simon. "People come in for a conversation and the staff make them feel welcome."

He also paid tribute to his bosses, Jack and Mel Merry, who trained him before putting him in charge of the Ackhorne.

Jack expressed delight at the award, especially as it comes only a year since another of his pubs, the Tap & Spile on Monkgate, lifted the same trophy.

Keep it simple

TONGUE-tied diners often stick with house wines because they do not know how to pronounce the fancy foreign names of others on the list, a survey said this week.

Bar Talk offers this advice. Ask for "Terrier", "Landlord", "Rooster's" or something similarly straightforward.

A great drink guaranteed in three syllables or less.

Updated: 16:04 Friday, February 17, 2006