We asked Mail readers where the best place to drink on the Friday before Christmas is in the Furness area . Here is what they said...

With the last payday before Christmas (‘Mad Friday’ as it’s sometimes known - this year falling on December 20) fast approaching, Mail readers offered have their favourite drinking spots to kick off the festive season.

These were the top 10 pub picks (in no particular order):

1. The Strawberry, Barrow

This Greene-King pub is also offering a festive menu, which could help counteract any Festive Friday drinking excesses.

2. The Red Lion, Dalton

The newly reopened Market Street pub (now run by Paul and Chas Bell who run the town’s Brown Cow Inn - a firm favourite among our Dalton readers) is hoping to see a roaring trade return to the premises. Mail readers are intrigued to see what the new direction of the Red Lion holds in store.

3. Duke of Edinburgh, Barrow

The Abbey Road bar is a regular haunt for many Mail readers. Slap bang in the town centre, it’s an obvious starting point for festive drinkers.

4. The King’s Head, Ulverston

The King’s Head - located on Queen’s Street, no less - offers a beer garden for the brave and inebriated, besides a cosy traditional interior for everyone else.

5. The Bridge, Dalton

The Bridge got several endorsements as part of this recommendations appeal. Readers speak highly of its welcoming atmosphere - making it a safe bet for Festive Friday.

6. Railway Inn, Askam

This establishment serves three real ales, two of which come from local breweries. A short walk from Askam Station, this one may be a choice for festive drinkers who are unsure of their chances of making the last train home.

7. Beerwolf, Ulverston

With a wide selection of beers from all over the world, Beerwolf offers a more international drinking experience for Christmas pubgoers.

8. The Royal Hotel, Barrow Island

The vast, Victorian red-brick hotel delivers highly-rated food offerings and popular karaoke nights. An obvious choice for BAE workers, situated just a couple of streets away.

9. The Wellington, Dalton

This Market Street establishment offers traditional fare for festive drinkers who are looking for a safe bet this Festive Friday. Offers accommodation, which may come in handy for anyone planning to celebrate big when the Christmas pay cheque comes in.

10. The Swan Inn, Ulverston

This CAMRA-award-winning pub offers a straightforward, no-frills drinking experience for Festive Friday punters looking for a safe bet in Ulverston town centre.