Tonik - Town Centre Pub of the Season

“I wanted to sell a beer I could drink”. That’s Julian Clark’s reason for introducing real ale to Tonik. Julian is the licensee of this modern contemporary bar which, in 2008, became the first of its type in Doncaster to sell cask beer. Two years later Julian’s decision has been justified as Tonik has won its first CAMRA award – Doncaster Pub of the Season for Winter 2010-11.

Situated on the corner of Wood Street and Cleveland Street , Tonik has been a mould-breaker since it opened in 2005. It first came to CAMRA’s attention for its range of French microbrewery bottled beers. Then came the decision to introduce cask ales. Julian made the brave decision to avoid the obvious choices and instead concent rat ed on offering ales from microbreweri es. “We’ve never had anything mainstream” says Julian – and a quick look at the recent beer list confirms that.

In the weeks l eading up to this award, Tonik offered Leeds Brewery New Moon, Dark Horse Birdie, Warwickshire Autumn Bliss and Thorne Brewery Dunston Ships. In addition, Tonik’s customers have been able to sample all recent winners of the Champion Beer of Britain award. “I have to attract new customers”, explains Julian “and lots of people have tasted real al e for the first t ime in Tonik”. Tonik only offers one cask beer at a time. The emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. Thornbridge beers have proved especially popular, especially Jaipur IPA. No surprise there. And Julian’s weekly e-mailout makes sure customers know what ale is currently on offer.

In 2009 Tonik held it s first in house beer festival when 20 ales from breweries all over Britain were on offer. Later that year there was another festival, this time with 16 beers.

With its modern décor and rooftop drinking area, Tonik is unlike the usual winners of our awards. It attracts a rather different clientele when compared to Doncaster’s more traditional pubs. F or that reason, Julian feels he’s in a unique posit ion to campaign for real ale. It ’s pleasing to see his efforts rewarded.

Since receiving this award, Tonik has closed.  A sad loss to the Doncaster beer scene.

Hickleton Village Hall - District Pub of the Season

Overlooking a small green in the conservation village of Hickleton is a gem of a place: Hickleton Village Hall – Doncaster CAMRA’s District Pub of the Season for Winter 2010/11. More like a pub than a typical village hall, it is in fact a private members club.

The building is actually part of the Lord Halifax estate and has been a club (initially for estate workers only, subsequently for the good folk of Hickleton) for over 100 years. In early September the club underwent a complete refurbishment and very nice it looks too! The bar, a tad more swish than before, has a very speci al charm and ambience about it and is uniquely characterful. In short, a brillant pl ace to come to for a pint or three and some friendly conversat ion.

The village is probably best known for its large county house (Hickleton Hall), which is now a Sue Ryder care home. Prior to that the hall had had its own small brewery where beer was brewed to its own recipe. Popular licensee Mick Prince is the recipient of our award and has been at the helm here for about two years. Throughout that time Mick has featured a variety of interesting real ales from local breweries such as Acorn, White Rose, Great Heck, Thorne and (more recently) Toad together with a nice mix of beer from breweries further afield such as Cottage. The beer quality here is always excellent and Hickleton Village Hall is now participating in our recently launched LocAle scheme.

The club holds a quiz night every Tuesday and occasional one-off events are held in the impressive function room upstairs. New outside members are welcome at the club – please don’t be nervous about coming along to take a look – you’ll be glad you did! CAMRA members are always welcome as affiliate members.

Buses X19 and 219 between Doncaster and Barnsley will drop you off almost on the doorstep.