A POPULAR gastropub in South Cumbria has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Flying Pig in Bowness was revealed this week as the Cumbrian winner of the county heats in the annual National Pub & Bar Awards.

The awards, now in their fourth year, showcase diversity in the industry and highlight some of the finest pubs and bars in the UK.

The county winners will now be whittled down to 15 regional venues based on a scoring system across categories including service, food and drink offering, décor and cleanliness.

The pubs will be presented with their awards at a red-carpet celebration in London on Wednesday May 22 by esteemed restaurant critic Jay Rayner.

Rayner, who will also announce the 15 Regional Winners on the night selected from among the 94 county winners, will also reveal which pub or bar has won the coveted title of National Pub & Bar of the Year 2019.

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, said: “Selecting this year’s 94 County Winners has been nothing short of inspiring.

“From idyllic countryside pubs to inner city cocktail bars, this is the most eclectic and exciting industry in the world. It’s a privilege to help these businesses get the recognition they deserve.”

Colin Monk and Alex Mauro, the directors of High Spirits Leisure Group, which owns and runs The Flying Pig, said: “The whole team has worked extremely hard to achieve the success we’ve had so far.

“Without their amazing personalities, fantastic work ethic and just being good at what they do business wouldn’t be what it is today.

“As a company we have real ambition to be the best in the business, we currently operate four high quality venues and are in the process of adding a further two to our stable.

“Accolades like this recognise the quality of what we deliver to our customers and firmly demonstrate our ambition. We’re keeping everything crossed that we make it through to the next stage, which could see us winning the title of Best Pub & Bar in the North West of England.”