THEY'RE the best bar none pub in the East Riding – and that's official.
The Royal Mail in Thorngumbald is the overall winner of the annual East Riding Best Bar None Awards, which recognise well-run pubs and licensed premises.
The scheme encourages licensees to demonstrate a responsible and safe approach to looking after customers, while discouraging the kind of binge- drinking that can lead to crime.
Royal Mail licensee Vicki Buckle, who also scooped the award for best community premises, is delighted to win recognition for her efforts – just two years after switching careers to take over the village pub.
Mrs Buckle, 40, said: "My whole purpose in being at the pub is to bring the community together – the village pub should be the heart of the community.
"It's not just about beer sales, it's about being able to walk into a pub on your own and stand at the bar and have someone to talk to."
The pub also works closely with police to ensure responsible drinking and prevent drink- related trouble.
Mrs Buckle said: "We have police surgeries and I have done my own drink-driving campaign by localising standard posters.
"We are very strict with licensing. We stop serving people who are intoxicated. I will say 'we can't let you have any more beer but will you have a coffee with us?'.
"We are also strict on asking people for ID. We do all the things we should be doing."
Councillor Claude Mole, vice- chairman of East Riding Council, is delighted with the response of licensees to the scheme.
He said: "This scheme encourages licensees to act responsibly and take pride in their premises and surroundings and, in doing so, put something back into their local community.
"The effort of all of the participants is highly commendable, bringing lots of rewards for licensees, including the prestige of being part of the awards scheme, increased business in the area and lower insurance premiums resulting from the fact that they are running safer establishments.
"However, the main winners of the awards scheme are the local community and visitors, who benefit from a more welcoming, attractive, lively and, above all, safe place to visit."
The other main award-winners were the New Inn in Hornsea for Best Pub; Weir Bar in Hessle for Best Bar and Lobster Pot in Bridlington for Best Food-led/Family- friendly venue.
