Blacksmith Arms at Lastingham wins National Pub Day contest

The Blacksmith Arms at Lastingham, north of Kirbymoorside, has won the payout from The Telegraph to celebrate National Pub Day.

The media outlet has created National Pub Day on Saturday May 16 to celebrate the essential role pubs play in local life and drive footfall back into local pubs.

After receiving nominations from drinkers, a Telegraph judging panel decided the Blacksmith Arms was one of five winners from more than 1,200 entries, due to it showing its importance to the local community.

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The panel of Telegraph judges said: “As head chef and owner of The Blacksmiths Arms you would think delivering good food and a great pub atmosphere would be enough for Ali Moran.

Pub owner Ali Moran (Image: Pic supplied)

“However, being part of the community means so much more to him. One of the people who nominated the pub said Ali and his team have been invaluable in being there for the locals.

“With the village shop and post office closing, The Blacksmiths Arms has been vital in more ways than one – from pointing tourists in the right direction to helping find missing kittens, the pub has been a core pillar for the community.” 

The interior of the Blacksmith Arms at Lastingham (Image: Pic supplied)

Ali Moran told the Press: “Business is quite challenging. We have had to change the way we manage the pub. The hard work the staff put in. This acknowledgement means so much. I am thrilled people have put us on this pedestal.”

This Sunday marks five years since Ali Moran, a local lad, took over the Blacksmith Arms. But the main celebrations will be saved for National Pub Day and The Telegraph’s £5,000 bar tab.

Ali said: “Everyone that comes in gets a free drink. Hopefully, it will be a great way to celebrate hospitality and pubs.”

The Blacksmith Arms at Lastingham (Image: Pic supplied)

As part of the celebrations, The Telegraph has teamed up with Berkshire-based Renegade Brewery to create its own ‘Telegraph Ale’, a classic English bitter.

This limited-edition brew will be served at The Blacksmith Arms, plus hundreds of other pubs.

In North and East Yorkshire, they include the Feathers at Pocklington, the Old Black Bull at Raskelf, the Owl and Cat (Hooting Owl Distillery) in Rougier Street, York; the Piebald Inn, Hunmanby, and Stamford in Pocklington.

To claim a free pint while stocks last, pub goers will be asked to register with The Telegraph for free or login in to their existing Telegraph account.