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Beer guide goes down well in Leeds
THE 2009 Good Beer Guide was launched in Leeds in defiance of the credit crunch which has closed hundreds of hostelries across the country.
Mick Moss, the Campaign for Real Ale's Yorkshire regional director, was in a bullish mood when he joined fellow CAMRA members for a pint at the recently-opened Midnight Bell yesterday.
In a break with tradition, the guide was launched at the Bell, in Water Lane, Holbeck, even though it has not been open long enough to be considered for a place in the beer drinkers' annual bible.
Mick, himself born and bred in nearby Beeston, said: "There's still the same number the best 4,500 pubs in Britain, in the guide. There's been no change to that in the past three-and-a-half years.
"With five pubs a day closing across the country, we thought we'd come to an area, Holbeck, where three new pubs including the Midnight Bell have opened in the last year or so.
"The Leeds Brewery, which opened this pub, has been a real success story so far and we just wanted to show our support in what are testing times."
Two new Leeds entries in the guide, which is in its 36th year, are The Templar in Templar Street, Leeds city centre, and the Rodley Barge in Rodley.
Other city centre favourites The Scarbrough Hotel, Whitelocks, the Town Hall Tavern and the Victoria Family & Commercial Hotel feature once again.
John Howe, chairman of Leeds CAMRA, said: "Each branch votes for their favourite pubs in their area. The Leeds Metro area has approximately 1,800 CAMRA members who are entitled to vote.
"The pub has to have been trading for a year and the nominations for the 2009 guide had to be in by last December before it went to print in January.
"That's why The Midnight Bell didn't make it this time, but I have no doubt it will be a strong contender for the 2010 edition."
Beer writer Barrie Pepper, former chairman of the British Guild of Beer Writers for seven years, was among 25 CAMRA members who crammed into the Bell's upstairs dining room.
Leeds Brewery managing directors Sam Moss and Michael Brothwell were also on hand to provide free beer and nibbles.
Mr Moss said: "This has been a spectacular year for us despite the harsh trading conditions. We are due to open a second bar called Pin in Dock Street near The Adelphi pub in the next fortnight.
"The continued support of CAMRA and its members will be a vital ingredient for our long- term success."
l The Good Beer Guide 2009 (14.99) is available in all major book shops, online at www.shop.camra.org.uk or Amazon.co.uk
charles.heslett@ypn.co.uk
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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