One of Carlisle’s landmark community pubs is taking on a taste of Italy with a major revamp.

The Harraby Inn on London Road is set for a huge refurbishment which will see a specialist pizza oven installed.

Customers will be able to see their food being made in front of their eyes, with the transformation taking place in time for Christmas.

Star Pubs & Bars, which runs the distinctive pub, towering over London Road, is looking for someone – or a couple – to take on the bar, which is still open and trading.

A spokeswoman for the firm said: “We plan to undertake a major refurbishment of the Harraby Inn and are looking for the right person or couple to take on the pub so that it can re-open with a fresh pizza offer before Christmas.

“The building, which is in need of investment, will undergo a complete internal and external refurbishment which will include the installation of a new pizza oven allowing customers to see their pizzas made fresh to order.”

Those interested in running the pub should have retail management experience, but don’t need to have run a pub before. Training will be given.

Campaign groups are likely to welcome the investment in the Harraby Inn, with a number of community pubs having closed in recent years in the face of social changes such as the smoking ban and cheaper supermarket alcohol.