PUBS have had a difficult time facing up to the challenges brought by the coronavirus pandemic but are still popular community hubs and places to congregate.

Anyone aspiring to own their pub can look no further than the host of popular establishments on the market in south Cumbria.

Several watering holes and hotels are up for sale ­— some have been on the market for a long time, while others have been put up for sale following a turbulent few years for hospitality.

Here are some currently up for sale.

In Ambleside, the Cuckoo Brow Inn is on the market for a seven figure sum.

Colliers International describes the Far Sawrey inn as a “renowned and characterful Lakeland country inn’ in an ‘outstanding trading location”.

The owners want to sell the establishment to focus on other business interests, the listing said.

It is listed by Colliers for £2.5 million.

In Barrow, the town centre pub and restaurant the Barrow Arms is on the market for £220,000.

In a listing, property agents Savills said: "The property comprises a three storey end terraced public house of brick elevations beneath a pitched slate covered roof. To the rear is a single storey flat roof extension.

"To the end of the terrace is a self-contained ground floor retail unit.

"Externally there is a private yard to the rear of the pub and a car parking space with the retail unit."

On the market for £345,000 is the The Old John Peel Inn, Rayrigg Road, Bowness.

"This Grade ll period Georgian public house has been updated by the current tenant with a popular covered sun terrace and two bar rooms, this therefore represents a huge opportunity for an energetic and enterprising new tenant to take the reins and develop an even more successful establishment here," H&H Land Estates said.

"The sky really is the limit here given the picture postcard location and vast amounts of all-year-around tourism."

Slightly cheaper, the Rose and Crown in Grange is on the market for £295,000.

A new owner could revive the pub, which is closed.

Back in Barrow, the 19th Century Kings Arms in Hawcoat is on the market for £425,000.

A listing said: "A superb lifestyle opportunity for a successful public house, quality living accommodation, established profitable business offering a wide range of real ale and an extensive selection of drinks. Only for sale due to the owner's retirement."