A glass or two of real ale were raised at a North Yorkshire bar and bottleshop as the owners received a coveted Pub of the Year award.
The Portly Pig in Ripon has been named Pub of the Year 2026 by the Harrogate and Ripon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Owners Stuart and Katie Ross took over the bar in November 2024 and were celebrated for their high-quality beer, strong community focus, and excellent service.
Katie Ross said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to be chosen for this award in a city that has so many fantastic and historic pubs serving some of the best real ales produced locally and across the region."
The couple took over the bar from Adam and Katrina Coulson, who originally named the venue.
Stuart Ross said: "We have been made so welcome here after taking over the Portly Pig in November 2024 from our friends Adam and Katrina Coulson, who gave the bar its memorable name."
The award was presented at the Portly Pig on Thursday, April 16.
That same evening also saw the launch of Ripon’s first Real Ale Guide.
Produced by CAMRA’s Harrogate and Ripon branch and funded by Ripon BID, the guide features pubs including the Portly Pig, The Black Bull, The Ripon Inn, and The Royal Oak.
Lilla Bathurst, manager of Ripon BID, said: "The Cathedral City of the Dales is home to some of the best pubs and bars in the north and between them they provide visitors and residents alike with a tremendous range of choice."
Ms Bathurst praised the Rosses for their community-focused approach since taking over the business.
She said: "Katie and Stuart are BID members and they have made a big impact in the relatively short time since they took over the Portly Pig because of their community-minded approach.
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"A key example of this was their launch earlier this year of the Pig Cup six-a-side tournament that will be held in July at Ripon City AFC’s ground to raise money for men’s mental health and wellbeing charities Andy’s Man Club and Ripon Men’s shed."
The tournament will see 16 teams from businesses and organisations across Ripon and district.
It has taken off with invaluable guidance from English Football League regional safeguarding manager Helen Cotterill-Smith who, with husband John and family, are Portly Pig regulars.
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