Phil Wooly writes :

Finalists in our 2025 Pub of the Year (POTY) were :

The Candlestick, Whitehaven

The Cock & Bull, Cockermouth

The Masons Arms, Gilcrux

The Bower House, Eskdale

The Castle Bar, Cockermouth

The ultimate winner was The Cock and Bull in Cockermouth

Landlord Andy Palmer is pictured (on the left) below with barman Peter Ballisat

The Cock & Bull has 5 handpulls, serving mostly Cumbrian and Scottish real ales, with several contrasting areas in the pub for customers to relax and enjoy a pint.

Judging was done by local branch CAMRA members and the Cock and Bull will go forward first to a regional level and be judged in the West Pennines area POTY and the ultimate accolade is for a pub to be voted UK Pub of the Year.

Branch activist Phil Wooly visited all of the finalists in the W. Cumbria region and made the following observations :

The Candlestick in Whitehaven - usually has 3 rotating cask ales on the bar. A warm welcome is assured from licensees Joe and Martin.

The Masons Arms, Gilcrux - has an L-shaped bar, a games room and a large beer garden. The pub dates back to 1865 and the bar was constructed using some reclaimed ship's timbers. Licensees Andy and Hal, who originate from Tyneside, serve 3 ales on handpump along with first class pub grub, with occasional European and Asian themed evenings.

The Bower House Inn, Eskdale - is close to the La'al Ratty Railway and Irton station is just 100m from the pub. There are 5 handpumps on the bar, with a Cumbrian focus. Landlady Sarah and her team are enthusiastic about their real ales. There is a large outdoor seating area and a children's play area.

The Castle Bar, Cockermouth - is recognised nationally for it's historical architecture, dating back to the 16th Century. There is an ever-changing range of real ales in this deceptively large building which is on 4 floors. Licensees Jayne and Sean Cusak run this first class pub.