A BARNARD Castle pub has been named the 'best local' after an MP ran a competition to support and promote the hospitality industry in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Best Pub contest, which ran throughout August and September, was set up by Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison.

More than 50 pubs were nominated and almost 2,000 votes cast by the public for the shortlist of ten.

The Cricketers Arms in Barnard Castle won, closely followed by the Mitre, in Bishop Auckland, and The Royal George, in Shildon, as runners up.

Ms Davison surprised winning landlord Tom Whipham at the weekend, popping into the pub to present the team with their certificate.

Landlord Tom Whipham said: “We are absolutely blown away by everyone who has voted for us thank you so much, we have a great team of staff who are an absolute credit to the place thank you.”

Ms Davison said: "A huge congratulations to the Cricketers Arms for winning my ‘Best Local’ competition.

“The past 18 months have been undeniably difficult for the hospitality industry, and this competition was a way I felt I could continue to show my support for our fantastic breweries across the constituency of Bishop Auckland.

“It was great to swing by and present Tom and the team at the Cricketers Arms their award.”

 

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