The Duke of York has been voted local Pub of the Year for the first time by members of the Salisbury and South Wilts branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The pub on York Road in Salisbury has seven handpumps and the range and quality of its real ales alongside its atmosphere and community focus won the support of CAMRA members.

Landlord Jonty Newbery and manager Paul Cooper were presented with the 2022 Pub of the Year winner’s certificate by Ian Turner, the chairman of the Salisbury and South Wilts branch of CAMRA, at a gathering of pub regulars and CAMRA members.

It was the first time that the award had been made for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is not all about the number of real ale handpumps along the bar, CAMRA is about the quality of the ale” said Ian as he presented the award.

"However, when you do come across a pub with seven handpumps, and you know that all seven will provide you with excellent quality ale, you know that you have found a great pub.

“This award is determined by our members’ votes and this year there was a clear winner. My congratulations to Paul, Jonty and the rest of the Duke of York team who have made the pub a real ale destination.”

Jonty added: “I would like to thank CAMRA, all our staff and also our customers for supporting us. It has been a bit rough for the last two years because of the pandemic but we are looking forward to a tremendous 2022.”

The Duke of York dates from Edwardian times and was originally built for Folliott’s, a Salisbury brewery.

The latter was taken over by Ushers of Trowbridge in 1919 and and the Ushers name is still on the pub sign along with the white rose, the heraldic badge of the royal house of York.

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