IN Cumbria, we have a number of fantastic local breweries and microbreweries, who each craft a huge array of beers.

Here at the News & Star, we asked our readers to tell us where their favourite place in the county was, and what made it stand out from the rest.

In no particular order, here are the selection of the best breweries and microbreweries in Cumbria, as recommended by you, our readers.

1 CARLISLE BREWING CO, CARLISLE

The brewery, located at the north of Carlisle in Kingstown, was recommended to us by many of our readers, including Toby Evans and Tina Campbell Phillips.

Julie Elliot said: “Part of the Spinners Pub in Cummersdale. They have a range of fantastic brews on cask and in bottles.”

Kris Lear added: “Run by friendly people who understand beer, how to make it, keep it and serve.

“They brew a wide range from porter to lager giving their customers a choice from kegs in the bar at The Spinners Cummersdale and across Cumbria.

“Several of their beers are available in bottles and are sold across the country. Each of their beers have an individual taste so anyone liking real ales should find one they like.”

2 TRACTOR SHED BREWING, WORKINGTON

Based on Calva Brow, Tractor Shed Brewing in Workington received several comments of praise.

Sammy Fitton said: “Lovely beers and spot, staff are alright too.”

Frances Donoghue posted: “Tractor Shed do lovely beers and lagers.”

Kevin Hodgson added: “I just love their German style beers.”

3 HAWKSHEAD BREWERY, KENDAL

The independent craft brewery, on Back Lane, was recommended to us by Richard Weir.

He said: “Hawkshead brewery is among the top breweries in the country.

“Innovative, very high quality control, flavour-packed beers. And, in the Beer Hall, one of the best brewery tap rooms too.”

Jamie Tickner posted: “Hawkshead’s recent hop forward beers and Impy stouts have been great.”

4 KESWICK BREWING COMPANY, KESWICK

Located on the aptly named Brewery Lane in Keswick, the small craft brewery was set up in 2006.

Jamie Tickner said: “Keswick Brewing Company has a good balance of more traditional beers that hit the spot after a walk as well as smaller releases of beers that are a bit different and modern in styles.”

5 ENNERDALE BREWERY, ROWRAH

The brewery, located to the west of Cumbria, received a bundle of praise from one reader.

Steve Wharton posted: “Ennerdale Brewery Ltd, not only do they have consistently great beer and stand as wonderful ambassadors for what we can produce in Cumbria, but they also work hard at being part of the community.”

6 THE ROYAL BARN, KIRKBY LONSDALE

Reader Jamie Tickner posted: “The Royal Barn is a very nice brewery tap and the beers I’ve had from them have all been great ranging from a double Ipa to a black Ipa.

“Also they have some craft keg offerings, which is nice to see in the county.”