Being able to lay claim to having the 'best pub in the North’ is a great accolade for a local.
And that’s exactly what customers could boast at Crofters, in Holbeck, Barrow, in May 2007.
According to the prestigious Northern Hospitality Awards, it was the best alehouse between Lincolnshire and the Scottish border.
OWNERS: Maggie and Geoff Pattinson of the Crofters in 2007
Despite a relatively short time in the hands of Maggie and Geoff Pattinson, the pub had demonstrated it could compete on an equal footing with its established neighbours.
The highly-rated Drunken Duck Inn near Ambleside was pipped to the top spot in the best hotel category of the awards, while L’Enclume in Cartmel was just beaten to the top spot in the best restaurant category.
Crofters was the toast of the region.
CHEERS: Crofters chef Steven Joseph (centre) with Geoff and Maggie Pattinson in 2005
Judges said: “The passion, thought and planning are fantastic; a perfect example of how innovation can be incorporated with a traditional pub business.”
Landscaped patios, lawns, a rockery and flowerbeds had added a new dimension to the pub, attracting a huge clientele of al fresco drinkers and diners.
Licensee Maggie Pattinson said: “We came runner-up last year so to win best pub is excellent.
“It’s nice to get a bit of recognition.
POPULAR: The Crofters pub, pictured in 2005, enjoyed success in the hands of Maggie and Geoff Pattinson which earned it recognition
“The staff have done really well.
“When they came to do the judging in February we were short-staffed but we still managed to do really well and the judge commented how polite the staff were.” Young Barrovians gathered for a day of fun and fundraising in July 1988 at Crofters. Eighteen different groups were represented at the Barrow Area Youth Festival, organised by Crofters and the Barrow Area Youth Office.
SEATING: The bar at Crofters in 2007, which was commended for its 'passion, thought and planning'
Each youth group had a stall and there was home produce, a treasure map, darts and throwing sponges at a victim in the stocks.
St George’s Youth Club, based at the school on Salthouse Road, raised the largest amount of £42.38.
The youth groups raised £360 in total for themselves, while Crofters’ regulars gathered another £20 to be split between all the organisations.
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