The Three Horseshoes - Town Centre Pub of the Season Summer 2010

“I’ll improve the pub but I won’t change it” is the intention of Louise Emery, licensee of the Three Horse Shoes at Town End. A year after buying the pub outright, Louise’s plans have already started to pay off as the Three Horse Shoes has just won its first ever CAMRA award, our Doncaster Pub of the Season for Summer 2010.

The Three Horse Shoes has done well to stay in business. Cut off by the construction of St George’s Bridge, this traditional riverside pub is no longer so easy to get to. That wasn’t always the case, though. There have been licensed premises on the site since 1783, when the old Great North Road ran right outside. It was a beerhouse until 1869 and was sometimes used for inquests! It was rebuilt in 1914 as the traditional multi-roomed pub we see today. Prior to the change in county boundaries, the Three Horse Shoes had an advantage over its nearby rivals as it was situated in the West Riding, just outside Doncaster’s boundary. That meant it could stay open 30 minutes later than the Jug, which was only a few yards away on the opposite side of the River Don.

Three cask ales are always available. Tetley’s Bitter is a permanent feature while the range of rotating guest ales shows a marked Yorkshire slant. Timothy Taylor, Acorn, Theakston, Thorne and Clark’s are just a few of the breweries whose ales have recently featured here. There have been ales from further away – I had an excellent pint of Purple Moose’s Dark side of the Moose there recently – but Louise aims to always feature at least one guest Yorkshire beer. This pub is a great advert for CAMRA’s LocAle campaign.

The Three Horse Shoes consists of a public bar, a lounge and a bar parlour which is ideal for meetings. The lounge is decorated with an interesting mixture of old photographs featuring local scenes, sporting heroes and mementos of Doncaster’s railway heritage. Upstairs there is a function room which in the past has featured live music. The bar parlour and function room are available free of charge for meetings, parties, etc.  Outside there's a beer garden which has recently been revamped. That’s just one of the ongoing improvements Louise has overseen.

The Three Horse Shoes is open 4 – 11 Monday to Thursday, 3 – 11 on Fridays, 12 – 12 on Saturdays and 12 – 10:30 on Sundays.

This is one of our best traditional pubs. It has regulars despite being cut off from nearby housing by new developments. It’s well worth a visit if you haven’t been there. It’s only a few minutes’ walk across North Bridge from town and there’s a car park if you want to drive there. Doncaster CAMRA will present Louise with her award soon - look out for the  details on the website.

Brewer's Arms, Snaith - District Pub of the Season Summer 2010

Originally a large town-house dating back to the 18th century, the impressive Brewers Arms at Snaith is both the brewery tap and flagship pub of the Old Mill estate.  The very pleasant interior is of split level design with four distinct drinking areas plus a function room leading off to the left. 

The recipients of our award –  Chris and Chrissie Smith took over at the Brewers Arms two years ago and have transformed beer sales here such is the quality of their real ales.  Food has long been an attraction at the pub but Chris tells me that wet sales are now on a par.  Currently there are four real ales available – Old Mill Bitter, Bullion,  Blonde Bombshell and a seasonal special from Old Mill.  For fans of real cider which there's Weston's Old Rosie.  Chris just happened to do his chef training at Claridges under the tutelage of Gordon Ramsay.  It is said that he always keeps a swear box and a set of ear plugs handy just in case Gordon should happen to drop in!  The 'Brewers' is also home to the 64oz Olympic Steak (notice required) for all you brave souls out there! 

The Brewers Arms is, in fact, a hotel with ten guest rooms.  There are also a further four rooms adjacent to Old Mill Brewery itself a short distance from the 'Brewers' - if you're in the area, consider an overnight stay as there are four other good real ale pubs all waiting to be tried.

You will find the Brewers Arms on Pontefract Road.  Opening times are 11.30am – 11.30pm every day and excellent food is available 12.00 – 8.45pm each day.  Ring 01405 862404 or visit their website.

The well deserved Pub of the Season award will be presented to Chris and Chrissie on Saturday 14 August at 9pm.