THE WORD is out among ale connoisseurs around the country that the most tempting place to quench their thirst is The Watermill at Ings, after it was voted Beer Pub of the Year.

The ivy-covered pub, which boasts a history of awards, was given the prestigious title just two months before its tenth anniversary in The Good Pub Guide 2001, published yesterday.

Brian Coulthwaite has run the riverside hostelry, which used to be the old village woodmill and joiner's shop, with his parents Alan and Barbara since its opening in December 1990.

"It is nice to be appreciated," he told the Gazette.

"Some customers don't realise that we do more than stand behind a bar, but there's a hell of a lot of work behind the scenes in a pub."

Brian recalled visiting the Lake District before he and his family moved to the area, and hearing the names of other well-known pubs on everyone's tongues.

"It is great to know that people are saying the same things now about The Watermill up and down the country," he added.

The Watermill has been synonymous with serious brews since it opened its doors, and always has up to 16 real ales on tap, including permanent favourites such as Coniston Bluebird, Theakston's and John Willie Lees Moonraker.

It quickly attracted supporters of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to its folds, and has been named CAMRA Westmorland pub of the year eight times, regional winner in 1997 and 1999, and joint second-prize winner in CAMRA's National Pub of the Year competition earlier this year.

The Queen's Head at Troutbeck was also celebrating this week after being voted Cumbrian Dining Pub of the Year in the book, an annually-updated, independent guide to Britain's top pubs.