A STEVENSTON venue has been named the best bar in North Ayrshire at a national awards ceremony.

The Red Squirrel at Ashenyards Park, to the Pennyburn roundabout, won the title at the UK-wide National Pub and Bar Awards.

The team will now go forward to the grand final awards ceremony, which takes place in London on June 28.

There, the county winners will discover which pubs will be taking home a regional title, as well as which site is to be named the UK’s best, leaving with the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year accolade. 

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “We were overwhelmed by the level and quality of entries this year.

“It just goes to show what magnificent work is going on across the UK hospitality sector.

"With outrageous energy costs, recruitment shortages and a punishing taxation system, these businesses are once again facing tough times.

"Now, more than ever, it’s vital that people support their local pubs and bars.

"So why not check out the finest in your county?”

The East Ayrshire winner was The Weston in Kilmaurs, while The Smoking Goat in Ayr won the South Ayrshire title.