THREE South Cumbrian pubs feature in a new Campaign for Real Ale book called Real Heritage Pubs of the North West.

It focuses on pubs that have truly historic surviving interiors from the Cheshire plain to the Lake District. Among the 150 pubs listed include unspoilt country locals, Victorian drinking palaces and mighty roadhouses.

The Ring o' Bells, Kendal, the Blacksmiths Arms at Broughton Mills and the Old Dungeon Ghyll in Great Langdale are among the historic hostelries that have write ups.

It is the result of 25 years of research by CAMRA to discover pubs that are either unaltered in 70 years or have features of truly national historic importance.

Dating from the early 18th century, the Ring o' Bells in Kirkland, opposite Kendal Parish Church, is reputedly the only pub in England built on consecrated ground. The book points out that the lobby retains its off-sales hatch and a portion of Victorian bench seating whilst the bar has a screened counter with two tiers of stained glass panels.

The Blacksmiths Arms is floored throughout with stone flags and another feature of the pub is a cast-iron range.

And the bar at the Old Dungeon Ghyll is described as having a great atmosphere with a massive cast-iron open fire burning all year round and being a welcome sight for cold and thirsty walkers, some of whom have left carved messages in the simple wooden tables.

The book describes how the pub developed, what is distinctive about pubs in the North West and how people a century ago could expect to be served drinks at their table, and how they used the pub for take-out sales in the pre-supermarket era.

Architectural historian and author Geoff Brandwood, who is also behind Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs (2013), London Heritage Pubs (2008) and Licensed to Sell (2011) launched the book at the Great British Beer Festival that took place at Olympia in London last Friday (Aug 11).

“I've been really impressed by the rich choice of heritage pubs in the North West," said Mr Brandwood. "Having a drink in many of these is a great historic experience to be savoured and remembered.

"What's more, there are various features special to pubs in the region which I have tried to bring out in the guide - distinctive layouts, interesting room names, and - a blast from the past - the survival of Victorian-style waiter service in a handful of Merseyside watering holes."