These pubs in the North are in the running for a major prize

There are hundreds of great pubs in the North, but six establishments have been singled out for recognition in a major prize, including Derry's Walled City Brewery.

The Northern Whig, The Stokers Halt, Blakes of the Hollow, The Brewer’s House and Keegan’s Bar were also named in a 94-strong list announced by the National Pub and Bar Awards.

The winners are judged on overall retail excellence, best practice and individual entrepreneurship.

As well as 15 regional winners, the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year will be announced at a red carpet event in London on 23 May.

The full list of pubs in the National Pub & Bar Awards County Winners:

The Northern Whig - AntrimKeegan’s Bar - ArmaghThe Stokers Halt - DownBlakes of the Hollow - FermanaghWalled City Brewery - DerryThe Brewer’s House - Tyrone

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which runs the awards, said: “This positive, industry-boosting news comes at a time when closures of pubs and bars are too often focused on in the press.

“The sole purpose of the National Pub & Bar Awards is to tell as many people as possible about the incredible businesses that these County Winners are running.

“With 94 triumphant pubs on the winners' list, chances are that every person in the UK will have an award-winning pub near them. Get out there and see these places for yourselves.”