GILCRUX, WIGTON, CUMBRIA CA7 2QX

CYCLISTS

WELCOME!

HOT PIES AND

PASTIES ARE

WAITING!

"We really didnt need to blow any of our own trumpets" said landlady Andy. CAMRA judges look for quality of ale and food, pub atmosphere, and the professionalism of staff, and here at The Masons arms this was already evident in bundles.

Judges explained that this year's competition was really very closely fought but the runaway winner 'went the extra mile'. Geoff Wilkinson secretary of west Cumbria Campaign for Real Ale hailed the 'knowledge and enthusiasm' of husband and wife team Andy and Hal Peverley for transforming the Masons Arms into a superlative hospitality establishment. "Hal and Andy make up a brilliant team." he said. This is not news to many of the locals, and the first thing you'll hear from first time visitors!

The accolade is also recognition of the tremendous food and drink offered by Andy hailed the 'queen of cuisine' and Hal crowned the 'prince of ales'. Presenting the certificate at the pub Geoff said: “We are truly happy we have a pub that has won the West Cumbrian CAMRA category.  "At CAMRA we support good practice in these establishments where real ale or cask ale is served and from a field of 150 clubs pubs bars and hotels The Masons Arms has achieved the ultimate branch accolade of Pub of the Year 2026"

"It will go forward to the Cumbrian area pub of the year with the potential to go forward to regional and nationals"

To the regulars of this pub it will come as no surprise that Andy and Hal have won this award. Hal is the most hardworking bar man you will ever comes across. A knowledgeable and highly enthusiastic promoter of real ale consistently serving three cask ales kept in fantastic condition. Probably the last 15 years has seen the hospitality industry facing the most challenging trading conditions ever but Hal and Andy's positive attitude and thinking outside of the box, including bringing live music, sing-a-longs, craft days, and most popular of all, their much loved and always over subscribed around the world foodie nights......and the food itself! Wow!  

All of the above has contributed to their continued success, culiminating in winning this fantastic award. They have overcome very difficult circumstances over the last few years which have forced so many pubs to dissapear forever.

"We as a country should be proud of our unique pub heritage and we should strive to support it. Pubs like the Masons Arms have become important community hubs for people to socialise. It is with great pleasure that I present the award as an acknowledgement to Hal and Andy for all the hard work that they have put into making the Masons Arms a success.” A delighted Hal and Andy said: “Awards like this can't be won without the continued support of our amazing customers" When we first started in the hospitality trade way back in the 80's we never thought it would take over our lives (in a good way) It's not a job... it's a lifestyle.

She added: “Here's to many more pints, great food and memories together. Cheers folks!” For more information on Masons Arms contact: 016973 23267

or email andypeverley3@gmail.com

The Masons Arms in the village of Gilcrux, outside Cockermouth received the gold winner’s medal certificate beating over 150 pubs, clubs and bars across the area.

An annual competition held since 1998, Pub of the Year (POTY) is a quest to find the ultimate pub whilst helping to showcase quality licensed establishments, chosen for their ambience, atmosphere, cask ale presentation and community involvement.