A Cumbrian pub has been listed in the annual Green Pub Guide.

The Black Bull in Sedbergh is among seventy-three pubs, bars, and restaurants from around the UK to be featured in this prestigious directory, now in its second year.

Launched in partnership with Heineken, the 2023 edition of the guide enlists only those establishments that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to reducing their environmental impact.

The evaluation process, carried out by UKHospitality, focuses primarily on sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and staff education, among other criteria.

Seven businesses from the north west region, and only two in Cumbria were included.

James Ratcliffe, hotelier and co-owner of The Black Bull, Sedbergh, said: ‘’We are immensely proud that we have been listed alongside some top-notch companies in The Green Pub Guide 2023.

"As a team we work hard day in and day out to reduce the environmental impact of our business.

The Westmorland Gazette: Nina Matsunaga & James Ratcliffe co-owners of the Black Bull, Sedbergh

"We make every effort to source responsibly and locally where possible, working side by side with our suppliers to reduce, reuse and recycle and.

"We share our vision with our guests to, to ensure that they to play there part as much as possible in helping to maintain this very special corner of the Dales for future generations, whilst also ensuring they play their part in helping to create a vibrant place where people can live, work and do business with minimal impact.’’

The guide's main objectives are to inspire pubs nationwide to enhance their sustainability practices and to attract patrons to those that have made exceptional efforts.

This year, Heineken SmartDispense, associated with the Green Pub Guide, canvassed the views of 2,000 people.

Of these, almost half (49 per cent) stated that they were more inclined towards businesses displaying sustainable credentials.

Around 38 per cent even expressed readiness to pay premium prices for such establishments.

However, over half (53 per cent) confessed to a lack of awareness about the environmental repercussions linked to the hospitality sector.

Chelsey Wroe, head of sustainability at Heineken UK, said: “Ordering a pint at the bar is something millions of us do, but do we ever think about how that beer gets into the glass?"