The Old Crown, Wigton

After my failed attempt to visit this pub in 2016 I had finally arranged a trip at a time when it seemed likely the pub would be open. (WhatPub says, and Google agrees, that they're open at 5pm weekdays and from noon at weekends, but Facebook says 5:30 in the week, and closed all day Sunday and for three hours on Saturday afternoon. The pub's own website says when they will have been open at the Easter weekend - very useful.) Arriving soon after noon on Saturday I found a very pleasant cottage-style pub that has been extended into the next door house, providing a couple of additional dining rooms. The bar counter is fairly short and dominated by five hand pumps offering beers brewed on the premises. (There are also bottles to take out.) I went for the Skiddaw Bitter and the Brim Fell IPA, both well made but perhaps unadventurous traditional beers, the Skiddaw not helped by being served in a glass that was still warm from the washer, but the Brim Fell was in very good condition (NBSS 4). This is said to be the first community owned pub in the country, and I know they have been consulted by other groups who have acquired their local pub, so I'm glad to have had the opportunity to pay my respects at such an iconic pub.

Hesket-New-Market,community owned pub, tap to the community owned (but separate) brewery out the back. Basic 3 rooms plus new dining room, patronised by locals and tourists.5 handpulls in action, all Hesket ales (often a guest on) Much improved with new, local tenants and a new brewer.

Don't be fooled by the sign, left out on the village green, stating that the pub is open. If it's before 5pm Monday to Thursday, it's not.

Official site of the Old Crown, includes real ale list, events details and videos - www.theoldcrownpub.co.uk

Official site of the Old Crown, includes real ale list, events details and videos - www.theoldcrownpub.co.uk