A CUMBRIAN pub has been named one of the best in the North West.

The Brown Horse Inn at Winster, near Windermere, was named as the County Winner as part of the 2023 National Pub & Bar Awards.

It names a total of 94 venues as the best in their respective counties, aiming to highlight the positive and inspiring work being carried out across the UK’s hospitality industry.

Craig Edmondson, owner of The Brown Horse Inn, said he was 'amazed' with the news.

"It is absolutely great for the area and great for us. Myself and my brother Shaun Edmondson, who is the headchef and owner, are both over the moon with the news," he said.

"We obviously work very hard in what we do with our team, chefs and front of the house so it just makes it all worthwhile to be recognised in that way."

He hopes that this will 'bring more people to the area.'

READ MORE: Record-breaking 13 Michelin stars for Cumbrian restaurants.

In the North West, four other venues have been selected as the best in the region including The Crown and Kettle, in Greater Manchester, The Swan at Marbury, in Cheshire, The White Bill at Oswaldtwistle, in Lancashire and The Windmill, Southport, in Merseyside.

The grand final awards ceremony takes place in London on June 28.

There the County Winners will discover which pubs will be taking home a Regional title, as well as which site is to be named the UK’s best, leaving with the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year accolade. 

Entries for the awards have been open since the start of the year, with hundreds of venues outlining the details of their operation, summarising the work that goes into design, training, team welfare, sustainability, food, drink, marketing and many other areas.  

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year. It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector.

"With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times. Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars. So, ahead of the long Easter weekend, why not check out the finest in your county?”

At the grand final, other awards will be handed out, including the Pub Brand of the Year, Bar Brand of the Year, Pub Chef of the Year and Sustainable Pub & Bar of the Year. The 15 Regional Winners will then be announced ahead of the esteemed National Pub & Bar of the Year award, which in 2022 was won by The Frogmill in Cheltenham.