A POPULAR Ulverston pub has been congratulated by residents after being crowned winner of an annual pub of the year.

Old Friends, on Soutergate, has won the Furness Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) pub of the year award for the second time running.

Old Friends has been run by husband and wife Graham and Andrea Wilson for seven years when they took it over from the brewery.

Graham, 48, said: “Lockdown was challenging. We had to make a lot of changes since then like seating arrangements - we’ve spaced them out more so people feel more comfortable."

Residents took to social media to send their congratulations and memories of the pub.

Leebo669 said: "Oh man! Good choice I go often in the summer months as their beer garden is absolutely lovely.

Frank Tyson said: "Well done guys."

Pete Stretch said: "Heartiest congratulations to you both and i will hopefully see you in July."

Julie Thomson said: "Well done."

"The staff are always friendly and the locals will help you decide if you're unsure what to try... Well done! Can't wait for summer to be back."

Jo Mills said: "Congratulations both."

Keith Hudson said: "Well done."

Laurence Desmet said: "I've enjoyed a few pints there."

Linda Methven said: "Big congratulations to you both."

Dervampir said: "Well done and well deserved Graham and Angela. A friendly little pub with a lovely beer garden and great real ale.

"Shame I live on the other side of the bay!"

Helen Cummings said: "Well done to you both."

Chris Wren said: "Totally deserved."

Heather Mouland said: "Congratulations."

Bill Kendall said: "And rightly so, it is an excellent friendly real ale pub."

Tim Nickolls said: "We live in Somerset and try to visit Ulverston every year. The pubs are one reason and the Old Friends is a great favourite of ours - I even bought one of your t-shirts a few years ago. 

"Congratulations and look forward to visiting later in the year."

Peter Graham said: "You deserve all of it, both of you."

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