A CUMBRIAN town inn has been given a major seal of approval, as an online review giant has placed it in the top 10 per cent of restaurants worldwide.

The Cumberland Inn, in Townfoot, Alston, has been included in the prestigious "Travellers' Choice" list for 2020 by the popular global review website Tripadvisor.

Making it into the restaurants category, the achievement means that of the vast number of locations reviewed on the Tripadvisor website from across the world, the ratings given by customers of The Cumberland Inn have put it in the top 10 per cent of all venues.

With more than 850 million reviews and opinions cataloguing people's experiences of attractions, venues, restaurants, services and experiences across the world, the Tripadvisor website has become an influential force in the hospitality and leisure industry.

As such, The Cumberland Inn's good news, first shared with customers on Friday, is a major achievement for the north east Cumbrian town inn.

One recent customer at The Cumberland Inn, who gave the venue a five-out-of-five rating, explained their fondness for the Alston pub, which overlooks the South Tyne valley.

"From the minute we walked through the door, we felt welcome and relaxed," the reviewer wrote on the site last Thursday.

"The service was really good and it made the whole evening for us.

"I really think this place is a little gem and hope it continues to thrive in this little town."

The Cumberland Inn caters to those looking for food, drinks or somewhere to stay, with five bedrooms available for hire.

It serves food throughout the day up until 9pm. and also offers takeaway options, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.

The bar boasts a wide selection of real ales from local breweries such as Hesket Newmarket, High House Farm and Allendale, and has for the past 15 consecutive years been featured in the Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide.

The owner, Guy Harmer, has also in recent months launched a new accommodation business forum - the Alston Accommodation Business Forum - to support fellow businesses in the area by sharing knowledge, skills and expertise.

This is particularly worthwhile at present, with businesses in the leisure and hospitality industry having to find their feet in the wake of the relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown rules.

The Cumberland Inn is currently operating in accordance with the current Covid-19 guidelines for venues.