THIS Urswick pub was famed for having possibly one of the youngest landlords in Britain exactly two years ago, but now it is making strides doing a sensational virtual pub quiz for the community which has gone national.

John Oldfield, landlord of the General Burgoyne, decided to start doing the regular Monday quiz online during lockdown and has continued to do so after reopening.

It has been a hit with the local community as well as their friends across the UK who have tuned in to take part.

“Throughout lockdown we have done pub quizzes online,” Mr Oldfield said.

“We have had people from across the country playing.

“The bigger picture is what has happened with the virus, but from a hospitality perspective the restrictions and lockdown have just been another obstacle to overcome. You have just got to do your best to continue.

“It is quite humbling to get the support I have had from the surrounding areas.

“There was one point where I thought what is the point in carrying on with it until I saw messages from customers saying they look forward to the quiz every week. That is what a pub is all about really.”

Although the 21-year-old doesn’t drink himself, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t know what it means to run a pub as he puts the community and his customers at the heart of everything he does.

The team welcome you to take advantage of their well kept beer and fresh, home cooked pub food.

Their fire is a real draw, whether toasting your toes in colder months, or drying out after Lakeland showers.

Walkers and cyclists enjoy the location and often use the pub car park as a start/finish point for their days out as well.

Soon there will be a marquee erected over the outdoor seating with heating to keep the wintery weather at bay. Not only this, their key feature, the ever popular carvery platter, is back which always creates a surge in bookings.

Mr Oldfield has taken extra care when it comes to health and safety for staff and customers with a strict table service policy.

Staff all wear masks and there is a plethora of sanitiser available.

“My highlight is the fact we have managed to keep is as much like a pub as possible,” Mr Oldfield said. “And that is down to the team who are so dedicated and caring.

“I hope small businesses will continue to be supported as the phrase use or lose it is especially relevant in the current climate. However, I am always confident we will come out the other side of it.

“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to celebrate our two year anniversary but I am sure we will do something when restrictions have eased.”

General Burgoyne is currently open Thursday to Sunday.

If you want to nominate a pub of the week then email george.lythgoe@newsquest.co.uk or fill in our Q&A form at https://www.nwemail.co.uk/my/ccn/questionnaire/i6wfsQqn/.