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Campaigning for good beer in good pubs in north Lancashire and the Ingleborough area

CAMRA Lunesdale

Spring Pub of the Year July 2007

Smugglers' Den landlord Chris Mason receiving his certificate from CAMRA Chairman Cliff Laine

Popular Morecambe local The Smugglers’ Den has been voted Spring Pub of The Year by members of The Campaign for Real Ale. The coveted award was made to landlord Chris Mason on Thursday 12th July at a special event packed with regulars and CAMRA members.

In presenting the certificate Lunesdale CAMRA Chairman, Cliff Laine, said “Morecambe is perhaps not a natural real ale environment. This means The Smugglers’ achievement in providing such a range of cask conditioned beers is all the more remarkable. Real ale is the best drink that England produces and you can drink it at its best here.”

Chris Mason said he was “very proud” to be given the award. Indicating the array of handpumps on the bar, he added: “The Smugglers’ has a reputation for its real ale, but there’s a need to spread the word about this unique drink more widely in the area. Hopefully this award is just the start for Morecambe pubs.”

CAMRA makes four seasonal awards as well as an award for The Pub of The Year. Each pub is chosen primarily for the quality of its beer.