IT might have been the Oscars this weekend, but the biggest awards show in town was already over on Friday night  And in the running for the top honour: two of the finest watering holes we know.

Yes, the search to find Liverpool’s Favourite Boozer saw thousands of votes cast on Twitter as you, dear reader, weeded 24 pubs down to eight, then four and then a final two in a hotly fought knockout contest that made mincemeat out of some of the greatest hostelries in the city.

Out went the Caledonia and the Belvedere, the Roscoe Head and the Little Grapes, The Fly In The Loaf and many other sterling supping places.

And then the ultimate face off: in the Seel Street corner: the wonderful Kazimier Gardens. In the Dale Street end: the mighty and marvellous Ship & Mitre.

Over 15 tense hours on Friday the Twitter tussle swung one way and then another as fans of the top two swore allegiance to their favourite side.

Only on the stroke of midnight did a winner emerge when the Kaz pipped the Ship to the post with 52 percent of the vote against 48 percent.

* Read: Which is Liverpool's favourite boozer?

* Read: Kazimier Gardens set to survive another 15 years

Gracious in narrow defeat, The Ship & Mitre were first to offer congratulations to their Ropewalks rival.

The Kazimier Gardens tweeted: It’s an honour to even be in the same category as Ship & Mitre - hands down the best pub in loads of ways. A phenomenal place in a city of brilliant pubs....we're honoured to be considered among them.”

And the Ship replied: “Humble in victory like true champions. Thanks for the lovely words and congratulations again.”

We’re still welling up when we read it now…

Finally, to everyone who bothered to take part in poll - the loyal regulars of Liverpool's abundant and brilliant boozers: you've got great taste. Cheers!