PUBS have had a difficult time facing up to the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

But anyone aspiring to own their pub can look no further than the host of popular establishments on the market in south Cumbria.

Several watering holes are up for sale ­— some have been on the market for a long time, while others have been put up for sale in this turbulent year for hospitality.

Barrow Island pub Chandler’s is on the market for offers in the region of £320,000.

According to a listing by estate agents Corrie and Co, the building already has permission to be turned into 12 apartments.

In Bouth, near Ulverston the White Hart Inn is also on the market.

A popular attraction, the 17th century pub is up for sale for around £525,000.

A listing by H&H Land Estates said the pub was “thriving and highly profitable”.

The Railway Inn at Askam closed its doors to customers following six years at the helm by the pub’s current bosses.

The closure was announced in an emotional social media post in which the pub paid tribute to customers.

The Ireleth Road pub is on the market for £485,000.

In Ambleside, the Cuckoo Brow Inn is on the market for £2 million.

Colliers International describes the Far Sawrey inn as a “renowned and characterful Lakeland country inn’ in an ‘outstanding trading location”.

The owners want to sell the establishment to focus on other business interests, the listing said.

The Royal Oak in Cartmel is said to have been constructed in the mid-18th century.

The pub has four guest rooms as well as living quarters for the owners.

In Great Urswick, the Derby Arms is on the market for £250,000.

It is described as an “attractive vacant public house full of character”.

Industry experts have estimated that around 2,000 pubs have closed this year.

Pubs were closed during lockdown and later forced to operate with a 10pm curfew.

Sales are predicted to be 90 per cent down in December.

Dave Stubbins, chairman of the Furness branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said pubs closing or changing hands presented ‘opportunities for others’.

“I would like to say a huge thank-you to all the people who are running pubs in this very difficult area and say we’re so sorry that you are losing trade at a key time of year, but we are really appreciative of all efforts,” said Mr Stubbins.