A former real ale bar could be given a new lease of life as Carlisle’s latest drinking spot.

City pub boss Mike Vose, who runs the King’s Head in Fisher Street, has lodged an application with Carlisle City Council to refurbish the old Moo Bar, in Devonshire Street.

Moo Bar, run by businessman Nigel Tarn, went to the wall last summer after the building’s landlords repossessed the site following a dispute over rent.

The sudden closure triggered an online protest, with more than 600 people signing a petition urging the landlord to give the business another chance.

Legal action followed however and ultimately the court ruled that the landlord was entitled to repossess the bar.

The Moo Bar in Penrith was unaffected by the issue.

But now the Carlisle venue could be converted into a new bar by Mr Vose, who also heads the Linton Holme in Lindisfarne Street, off London Road


Mike Vose He has asked the council for permission to install a new bar and new outside doors as well carry out other internal alterations to the listed building.

A statement prepared by Carlisle-based planning agents Blackbox Architects states: “The primary alteration proposed is the introduction of replacement timber doors to the primary entrance from Devonshire Street.

“These are proposed as paired timber paneled doors, to be painted to tie in with the existing dark window frames and tiled reveal within the entrance area.

“This will further emphasise the original stone shopfront as described in the listing by contrasting this against the more modern additions.

“Further works are only minor variations to the previous approval.”

When contacted by The Cumberland News Mr Vose said he was unable to comment at this time.