Batemans opens its first pub in York

l One of the Waggon and Horses' four bar areas

July 7, 2008: Batemans, of Lincolnshire, has opened its first pub in York. The Waggon and Horses, in Lawrence Street, is situated just outside the picturesque city walls.

The brewer's publican of the year winners, Paul and Mandy Marshall, have moved from Mumby, Lincolnshire, to run the pub, which has seven en-suite guest rooms.

Paul said: “Mandy and I like a challenge and moving to a completely new area and being closely involved in the refurbishment has been very rewarding. The pub did not have a good reputation before, so it is up to us to show the community the new, vastly different Waggon and Horses.

"The guest rooms are decorated to a high standard and will be ideal for parents visiting their children at the local colleges, as well as for those coming to local events such as the horse racing.”

There are four bar areas in the pub offering a range of Batemans' award-winning cask ales, which will include XXXB and XB throughout the year, as well as Batemans Dark Mild and its seasonal ales, and guest beers. Paul and Mandy have become members of the LocAle scheme, which will mean that they will always have a cask ale available from within 25 miles of York.

The pub is well lit and welcoming throughout. The lounge area has sofas, soft chairs and small tables, and the dining area is both spacious and airy, with an attractive snug at the back which uses the original tiled floor. The pub will be able to offer an atmospheric meeting room and wi-fi is available throughout.

Paul and Mandy will be serving traditional pub food, such as Lincolnshire sausage and mash, and liver and onions, as well as salads and sandwiches. Customers will also be able to take advantage of the pub's pretty back garden.

Those staying in one of the guest rooms will be able to enjoy continental and traditional cooked breakfasts. Prices for bed and breakfast start at £65 per night for a double room with en-suite bathroom. For further information go to www.wagonandhorsesyork.co.uk

To mark the opening, Stuart Bateman, managing director, and Jaclyn Bateman, marketing director, presented Paul and Mandy with a picture of Batemans Brewery which had been signed by their father, George Bateman, who died last year after 52 years as chairman of the independent regional brewery.