FIVE Wetherspoon pubs in the area have won acclaim for the quality and standards of their toilets – in the Loo of the Year Awards 2023.

The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of 'away from home' toilet provision across the UK.

Loo of the Year Awards inspectors made unannounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites across the UK, in order to judge them.

All of the toilets are graded silver, gold, platinum, platinum plus or diamond with unacceptable toilets not graded at all.

The toilets are judged against numerous criteria, including décor and maintenance, cleanliness, accessibility, hand washing and drying equipment and overall management.

The William Rufus in Botchergate, Carlisle has received a 'platinum plus' rating from the inspectors.

Meanwhile The Woodrow Wilson in Botchergate, The Bransty Arch in Bransty Row, Whitehaven, The Henry Bessemer in New Oxford Street, Workington and The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Bank Street, Keswick have each been awarded a platinum rating.

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The William Rufus manager, Mathell Potts, said: "We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that this has been recognised by the inspectors."

The Loo of the Year Awards 2023 managing director, Becky Wall, said: "The toilets at the five pubs have been designed and fitted out to a very high standard and are both clean and well maintained.

"The pubs deserve their awards."