A FAMILY-run Lake District pub has been named AA Pub of the Year.

The prestigious national accolade was awarded to The Crafty Baa, Windermere, at a glittering ceremony in London on Monday night.

The unconventional hostelry is the creation of Vincent, Lisa and Ben Gregg and is well loved by locals and tourists alike. It has consistently ranked as number one on TripAdvisor.

The family is well-known in Windermere having run a window-cleaning business in the village for many years before embarking on the dream of running a pub two years ago.

Originally a second-hand bookshop, Vincent, wife Lisa and son Ben set about transforming the Victoria Street building into a hand-built cosy pub specialising in craft beers.

There are more than 100 on offer and the family even have three of their own crafty ales made for them too. The original renovations took seven months to complete, and used recycled and upcycled materials with everything being built by the family.

The bar is made from old pallet boxes.

Since opening its doors in August 2016 the pub has undergone another set of renovations by extending into the neighbouring property to create three new rooms known fondly as The Potting Shed, The Lost & Found Room and The Social Room.

The respected awards, now in their 21st year, are known as the Oscars of the hospitality industry and involve a panel of judges travelling the country over twelve months visiting the UK's pubs, restaurants and bars.

AA Hospitality said of The Crafty Baa: “The Crafty Baa is the brainchild of Vince, Lisa and Ben who shed their own blood, sweat and tears in building the place themselves.

"Around 80 per cent of the materials they used were either recycled or upcycled which has gone a long way to giving it a unique style and atmosphere.

"Set over three floors there’s an array of seats and tables where good food and an extensive range of beers around the world can be enjoyed. Several beers are available on draught and the team are keen for you to taste before you buy.”

Vincen said: “Winning the award means a tremendous amount to us for the sheer graft we put into making The Crafty Baa possible.

"We were up for the challenge. We are so glad we went for it. It’s a family dream come true. When we look around and see customers laughing and enjoying their time we can’t believe how far we’ve come in the last two years."

Future developments for the entrepreneurial family include opening their own on-site ‘pub shop’ which will sell craft beers, specialist vodkas, chutneys, cheeses and more.