The Waverley shut abruptly and without warning about 2 years ago, having been sold quietly by the long term family owners and within a few weeks reopened as an asylum seekers hostel.

A few days after it closed, the old bar was to be seen in the car park awaiting a skip. A sad end to a former licensed hotel that had kept a splendid pint of real ale, also enjoyed by the owner and his father. The same family had run the hotel for about 80 years.

However, the old Georgian hotel is one of 50 designated by the government to cease being used as a hostel and is now standing empty and closed.

The burning question is : will it get refurbished and return to trade as a hotel with a bar ?

Before it shut the house beer was Swan Blonde from the Bowness Bay Brewery. A splendid beer, which was served in great condition.

A friend of mine was in there drinking with the owners on what turned out to be the last night, but they never let on that they had sold out.

It was a well patronised hotel, situated in the heart of the town on Tangier Street and near to the marina which is crammed full with yachts and thirsty sailors.

One thing is certain, if it reopens and sells a decent pint of handpulled ale it will be welcomed with open arms by the West Cumbria Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Watch this space !