A York pub has been named CAMRA’s ‘Pub of the Season’ less than a year since its new owners took over.

Brew York’s The Old Grey Mare Inn, in Clifton York, has been named as CAMRA’s ‘Pub of the Season’ for Winter.

The historic coaching inn, dating back to the 17th Century, has proven to be a great success with both the local community and York beer-lovers since reopening under the Brew York name back in February 2025.

York CAMRA award a ‘pub of the season’ four times a year to local pubs who ‘consistently deliver exceptional real ale, offer a welcoming environment, and go the extra mile to champion local beer culture’.

A presentation took place on Friday (16 January) where Brew York’s Wayne Smith and Avril King received the award in front of many regulars and visitors.

Wayne Smith, managing director at Brew York, and Avril King, bar manager at Old Grey Mare. Photograph: Richard McDougall

Avril King, general manager at The Old Grey Mare, said: “I’m so, so pleased to receive this from CAMRA – not just for me, but for everyone who works at The Old Grey Mare and everyone who drinks here too.

“They’ve all made it a fantastic environment which represents everything a good, local, community-focused pub should be.”

Avril King and Melissa Reed

Melissa Reed, from CAMARA’s York Brand, added: “The Old Grey Mare have made a very positive impact on York’s beer scene – always pouring great pints of real ale along with a warm welcome and great atmosphere. It’s a pleasure to present them with ‘Pub of the Season’ for Winter, 2025.”

This isn’t the first time a Brew York venue has been the recipient of awards from
CAMRA, with two other venues being previous winners.

Wayne Smith, managing director for Brew York, said: “We’ve been fortunate to receive similar awards for our Taproom in Walmgate as well as the Market Tap in Pocklington and it’s always a great honour for us.

“A huge amount of thanks goes to Melissa and the CAMRA team who we know work so hard to champion great pubs and great beer, and of course Avril and her team who have made a fantastic success of The Old Grey Mare in their first year.”

Brew York have a busy 2026 ahead which will see them celebrate their 10th birthday in April, upgrades to their Walmgate Beer Hall (which completed last week), as well as opening the redeveloped Goole Market Hall under their Brew+ brand in the coming months.

To find out more about Brew York, visit their website here.