The George Inn is crowned Yorkshire’s favourite pub 2021

Raise a glass … as Welcome to Yorkshire announces ‘Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2021’, as voted for by the general public and sponsored by Theakston Brewery in Masham. For the first time in the competition’s ten-year history, The George Inn at Upper Denby, Huddersfield, pulled in the most votes.

The announcement was made online on Yorkshire Day, Sunday August 1st, with The Crooked Tap at Acomb, York, awarded second place and The Elm Tree Inn, Embsay, came in third.

Owner of The George Inn, Dean Wyatt, said: “This award really is amazing and particularly so for us after the tribulations of the last eighteen months. We’ve faced many challenges coming out of lockdowns and this is the best news for the team at our little pub in Upper Denby, Huddersfield and ALL who frequent it. It’s really put a smile on their faces! We’ve been here since 2008 and it’s a much-loved family business, staying true to the traditional village pub that The George has always been. With a homely feel, a warm Yorkshire welcome and an emphasis on quality, we offer award-winning real ales and fine wines, a huge selection of artisan gins, with our very own gin launching very soon, and of course our delicious homemade pies. We’re thrilled that our customers love the place as much as we do and we are extremely grateful to everyone who voted.”

The annual contest was first launched by Welcome to Yorkshire in 2011 to help promote Yorkshire’s amazing variety of pubs, but took a break in 2020 because of the coronavirus crisis.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s chief executive James Mason said: “Huge congratulations to The George Inn for being awarded the coveted title of Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub of the year! It’s been a particularly turbulent time for many brilliant businesses across the county and people have missed the hospitality of a great pub, particularly during lockdown, meeting up with friends and family, enjoying a drink and indulging in some delicious dining. It’s fantastic to have a brand new winner for 2021 and for The George Inn to receive this amazing accolade and get the recognition it deserves for its great selection of ales, wonderful wines and great gins, plus its much-loved home-made pies and a warm welcome for all, which is appreciated by all its visitors.

“Thank you to everyone who has nominated and voted for their favourite pubs across the county over the last few weeks, and a huge congratulations once again to all of the finalists and our winner.”

Hundreds of Yorkshire pubs were put forward by the public to be in the running for Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub this year, which included hopefuls from across all four corners of the county, with thousands of votes received.

The top 30 pubs from the first round were then entered in to a public vote, to secure the top three, including the overall winner.

Simon Theakston at T&R Theakston Ltd, Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2021 competition sponsors, said: “We are delighted to have been a part of Welcome to Yorkshire’s prestigious pub competition, ‘Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2021’, supporting and heralding the fantastic pubs that are abundant across the county. As a Yorkshire family business, founded in 1827, T&R Theakston has almost 200 years of rich brewing history and a wealth of experience and knowledge of Yorkshire’s wonderful pub heritage and reputation. Combined with a real passion for the future and acknowledging the important role of pubs to local trade and attracting visitors from far and wide to this beautiful part of the country, we’re well-aware of the facets that make pubs so special, including warm hospitality, fantastic food, delicious drinks and top teams in lovely locations.

“Yorkshire has so many great pubs, including many that stock Theakston ales, and we want to encourage as many people to visit them as we can, welcoming back much-loved regulars and new customers alike.