One of the great pubs of York is up for sale, as the two legends who run it prepare to hang up their bar towels for the last time.
The multiple award winning alehouse The Maltings is now on the market.
And landlord and landlady Shaun and Maxine Collinge are preparing to move on after 31 years at the helm.
They took over in October 1992 when Maxine’s mum Anita Adams bought the Tanners Moat pub from Bass.
It was previously known as The Lendal Bridge Inn, a fairly unremarkable boozer, which was promptly transformed into something unique and wonderful thanks to Shaun and Maxine.
With its astonishing range of guest ales – changing at the rate of up to 60 a month, so they say – all kept to perfection, The Maltings has been a permanent fixture in the Campaign for Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide.
It has won multiple awards, and was named Britain’s Cask Ale Pub of the Year twice in a row by licensed trade bible the Morning Advertiser.
Add to that its (similarly award-winning) range of cider, eclectically-named beer festivals and fabulous grub from the Dragon’s Pantry, and the pub’s appeal is undeniable.
But the best thing about the Maltings is Shaun and Max themselves, one of York’s greatest double acts. Their shared dedication, commitment to perfection in food, drink and service, and inimitable brand of belligerent bonhomie will be a mighty tough act to follow.
Shaun has only made one public pronouncement about their impending departure, tweeting: “It’s with a heavy heart but after 31 years it’s time to let somebody else with a bit more energy & enthusiasm take the reigns.
“Myself and the Dragon’s Pantry have enjoyed every minute of our tenure (nearly every minute) & my Mother in Law is in her 80s #ItsBeenEmotional.”
The freehold of the Maltings is now on the market with Stephensons for offers in excess of £1.5m.
“An unrivalled reputation for good quality real ale and home cooked hearty food,” say the details.
“The outlet is extremely popular with tourists, locals and office workers alike.”
And we can’t argue with that.
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