'Yorkshire beer is our Champagne'

June 13, 2005: With a pint of real ale in her hand - that's how the Queen should be celebrating the temporary removal of the Royal Ascot racing festival to York, according to one local landlord.

The festival has been moved while refurbishment of the Berkshire course takes place, and the Queen will be in attendance for all five days of racing.

Shaun Collinge, landlord of The Maltings, talking to the York Evening Press, said the Queen would be welcome in his pub, but only if she was to have a pint of real ale.

"If she wants Champagne, she can bog off … Our beer is our Champagne."
He added that he was stocking up on lager and lemonade tops to "make out southern brethren feel at home." Ouch!