Carlisle's pub and club king John Van Lierop is adding another city centre venue to his nightlife empire.

The bar boss - the man behind some of the city's trendiest and most popular nightspots and restaurants - has had plans approved for a new pub on Lowther Street, the latest piece in his growing portfolio.

He currently runs The Last Zebra restaurant and bar and Concrete nightclub, both on Lowther Street.

His other ventures include bar and restaurant venues Eaten by Monsters and Hell Below & Co on Devonshire Street.

In the past he was also the man behind Fat Fingers, one of the city's most popular bars in the early years of the 2000s.

Plans for the new venue - which will be in the building formerly occupied by Robertsons Bakery - have been approved by city councillors.

Renovations are currently taking place on the building, which will employ 10 full time and five part time staff.

A planning application states that the building will be transformed into a pub with staff accommodation, likely to be three flats, on the first floor.

A statement sent to councillors about the new pub says: "The aim of the proposals are to improve the commercial viability of the premises, by offering a more varied and flexible operation providing both drinks and food.


John Van Lierop "The premises will open throughout the day and evening seven-days-a-week.

"Opening will run from 11am to midnight most days and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays."

The pub will have a natural slate roof, a sandstone fascia, timber or metal windows and oak doors.

It will also have disabled access through a ramp.

The statement adds: "The property has had a number of uses over previous years including that of a bakery and cafe and most recently as a nightclub."

The building, which is close to the Bank Street junction, has stood empty for the last few years.

The nightclub which ran until it shut was called The Social.

But the building is probably more familiar to Carlisle residents as the former Robertsons Bakery, which was also a popular cafe.

Mr Van Lierop, who currently runs The Last Zebra and Concrete nightclub on Lowther Street and Eaten by Monsters and Hell Below & Co on Devonshire Street, was unavailable for comment when contacted by The Cumberland News.