Long-serving Colin Dring, publican at the Falcon pub on Main Street, was honoured with an award from the Doncaster branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) on Monday in recognition of his services to the pub trade.
Colin, 60, said: "I believe I'm the longest serving manager for Old Mill Brewery and that is because I have a good working relationship with the brewery.
"But, most of all, I have many good loyal customers which makes my work a pleasure.
"When I eventually retire I shall certainly miss the many friends I have in Mexborough who come into the Falcon for good quality real ale."
Colin first became involved in the pub trade in 1964 after becoming a barman in The Packhorse in Louth, Lincolnshire.
He quickly developed a passion for real ale as the pub served the classic beer Barnsley Bitter.
In the following years he ran pubs in Grimsby and Lincoln before taking over the Mill Tavern in Sheffield owned by the Old Mill Brewery.
After developing a good relationship with the Old Mill Brewery, Colin took over the Falcon and has remained at the pub for the last 17 years.
Ian Round, Deputy chairman of Doncaster CAMRA, said: "It is because of Colin's dedication to nurturing real beers in the Falcon for such a long period of time that CAMRA wish to honour him.
"Brewers can produce excellent beers but it is the constant commitment to quality service that makes the difference to a pint at the bar.
"Colin certainly brings that dedication to his work at the Falcon and we want to thank him for his incredible services to real ale."