Shibden Mill is Yorkshire's Favourite Pub

The Shibden Mill is Yorkshire's Favourite Pub 2011, as voted for by hundreds of consumers.

The Halifax freehold, owned by Simon and Caitlin Heaton, was this week crowned the winner at the Great Yorkshire Show.

At its start in April, the competition saw more than 200 pubs nominated by the public with the 12 finalists attracting almost 3,000 votes alone.

"We operate to high standards always putting the customer first and therefore believed we were in with a very good chance despite being up against some tough competition," said Heaton. "I think we won because we strive to deliver a sense of theatre when coming out the pub and always extend a warm welcome to customers new and old.

"We are delighted....we are all over the moon especially as it shows how the public view and appreciate what we do here at the Shibden Mill Inn."

TV presenter Christa Ackroyd presented the trophy with the George and Dragon, Hudswell, coming second and the Shoulder of Mutton, Kirkby Overblow, placing third.

"I am delighted by the response we've had to our competition at every stage from both our great pubs and their patrons," said Gary Verity, chief exectuive of Welcome to Yorkshire.

"The thousands of votes that have poured in during the last couple of months just go to show that not only do we have an unrivalled mix of pubs here in Yorkshire, but the passion and interest in them is incredibly strong."

Ale Trail​

The top 30 pubs will feature in a new Ale Trail being launched by Welcome to Yorkshire that will include a guide map and highlight a range of festivals and breweries to visit.

The trail has been supported by brewery T&R Theakston and Simon Theakston, executive director, said: "The trail will give people a real taste of the amazing offer of friendly pubs and some of the best ales in the country."