A MARITIME members club in Barrow has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious awards in the national beer calendar.

Roa Island Boating Club in Barrow is one of 14 regional finalists in the CAMRA (Campaign for Reale Ale) Club of the Year awards.

The competition has been on hold over the last two years due to Covid-19 restrictions and was last won by Cheltenham Motor Club in 2019.

The national winner will be announced in 2023 - the competition being run in conjunction with Club Mirror magazine, with the aim of finding the best clubs with the greatest commitment to quality real ale.

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The clubs are judged on atmosphere, welcoming surroundings, and most importantly, top-quality real ale served in great condition.

The overall winner will be announced early in 2023.

CAMRA describes Roa Island Boating Club as: "A welcoming Boating Club situated on an island connected by a causeway to the mainland originally built by the Furness Railway in the 1840s and now a roadway leading to a jetty to a ferry to Piel Island. 

"Roa Island Brewing Company, a small solar-powered brewing plant situated within the Club, produces a range of four beers which are currently only available in the Club and which are supplemented by up to two from Ulverston Brewing Company. 

"The outside pagoda and verandah offer superb views across the bay."

The regional announcement comes as CAMRA urges the government to address the burgeoning energy crisis and commit to urgent support to help the nation’s pubs and clubs.

Phil Gregg, National Coordinator for the Club of the Year competition said: "This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our beloved clubs as they jump from one crisis to yet another one. 

"The fact that we are still seeing such shining examples of club excellence despite these challenges is incredible, and a real testament to these winners.

"We believe that member-only clubs are important community assets that promote the social well-being of the local area, and this competition aims to highlight the very best examples across the country."