The Albion in Skipton is this week's T&A Pub of the Week

That hostelry was The Albion, one of the first purpose-built pubs in town. “It predates 1852 and was the first travellers’ rest on the main road at the time,” says manager Sera Brook, who has been at the helm since September 2010.

It’s a small, very traditional pub with wooden floors, and coloured walls, in keeping with the period,” she says. “It comprises three spaces - the bar, the lounge and the snug.”

The Albion, in Otley Street, Skipton

Inside the characterful pub

Sera runs The Albion - our Telegraph & Argus Pub of the Week - with her husband Andrew, who she met there. “He was a senior beer technician and he came to work here - we clicked and married three years later.”

The couple have two children. “My eldest, from a previous relationship, works here sometimes,” says Sera. “Our youngest is at school.”

The family dog Alfie, a 15-year old Patterdale/jack russell cross, is a regular fixture in the pub, which is dog-friendly after 4pm.

The Albion has a good selection of ales with Theakston’s Best Bitter a permanent, alongside three rotational guest ales supplied from local breweries.

“We have rotational cask ales, various lagers and smooth flow products. We have an extensive gin and rum selection and a range of mixers to compliment them,” says Sera.

The pub in days gone by

Sera and Andrew with their award

The pub is a member of the Cask Marque accreditation scheme reflecting the quality of its ale. “We serve food daily between 12pm and 6pm and have a great traditional menu - twice- cooked chips just like your nana used to make,” says Sera.

Other popular fare includes pies, liver, lasagne and vegan curry. Also on the menu are lighter options such as sandwiches.

“We use local suppliers for our meats and veggies so we know exactly what we’re getting and can go to the source,” says Sera.

“Our team are fabulous - they all bring their own personalities and traits to the table. They are all super hard-working and very professional.

“The customers are great - we have a lot of regulars who come in daily and others that seek us out when visiting the area. We treat all our customers as family and worry when we don’t see them for a few days.

“We pride ourselves on our mantra of ‘come as a stranger and leave as a friend.’”

The Albion has a spacious, sheltered garden that seats around 90 customers. “It has sheds to sit in and a covered seating area as well as the main patio. It’s a sun trap in the summer,” says Sera. Softly lit after dark, it’s an atmospheric spot to spend a summer’s evening.

It's atmospheric on summer evenings

The suntrap garden

There's a covered area outside

“Andrew built the garden area with a bit of help from me, and it became a bigger project throughout lockdown. We’ve also changed the interior twice since the pub’s initial refurbishment in 2013,” says Sera.

In 2018 the inn won best pub in the Stray FM Best of Skipton and B beyond awards. “We have a weekly quiz, live music once a month and karaoke at the end of the month,” adds Sera. “We also have a darts board and a cupboard filled with games.”

“We host the best Halloween party each year. At Christmas, but myself and the team love any excuse to dress up and have a good old knees up.”

*The Albion, 27 Otley St, Skipton BD23 1EL; The Albion is on Facebook and Instagram.