WHILST 2022 has been a difficult year for many businesses, with some being forced to close for good, it's certainly not all bad news - as there has been many an example of ambitious and independent entrepreneurs opening their doors for the very first time.
Looking back at the year, we've created a quick round-up of some of the new and exciting businesses that have come on the scene in Carlisle.
Everything from restaurants, shops and even nightclubs have put down their roots - have you visited yet?
Popland, Botchergate, opened on July 22
A throwback-style club, Popland opened back in July by Luke Brown. The nightclub aims to be something extra, with a special photo booth and new cocktails on offer.
It's open every Friday and Saturday night, from 6pm to 4am.
Le Gall, Devonshire Street, opened in December
Perhaps is the newest business to open its doors in Carlisle, Le Gall takes its influences from a French-style brasserie, offering everything from wine, selected beers and champagne.
Owner Mike Hope, who owns the building, took on the lease again from the former occupants Maggie Elliot to bring back the bar as he looked to bring back his original Le Gall that stood in the same spot in 2001.
Cumbria Roast Company, Fisher Street, opened in October
Dave Haddock’s vision for the Cumbria Roast Company, which he and wife Pamela opened in October, has been almost 17 years in the making.
"We sell Yorkshire pudding wraps or filled open Yorkshire puddings, along with baguettes. Everything is home made and locally sourced, with a small, compact menu and we’re not going to deviate from that,” said Dave.
Laser & Co, Bridge Street, opened in September
A former historical pub on one of Carlisle’s busy thoroughfares has been brought back to life and transformed into a spa.
Kayleigh Seggie transformed the interior into an oasis of quiet and calm - diversifying into hair removal treatments.
In her new Bridge Street premises she is also leasing rooms to The Spa Room, which specialises in massage, brow and lash treatments, and Derma HQ, a beauty and aesthetics clinic.
This Time, Devonshire Street, opened in July
The team that brought you In The Meantime opened their newest and extremely well-decorated sister-bar, This Time, back in July.
No matter what your tipple is, the bar is stacked to the rafters with drafts including Guinness, Madri, Coors, Mosaic lager and Rekordelig alongside local pints such as Helles - with plenty of grub also on offer.
And if that's not to your fancy, don't worry, there's plenty of options by way of cocktails; everything from negronis to daiquiris alongside many of the bar's twists on modern classics.
Candy World, Scotch Street, opened in September
Th store is highly popular, especially amongst youngsters and sweet tooths in the offering for customers to get their hands on the ever-increasingly popular American candy.
The Milk Bar, 44 Denton Street, opened in September
The Milk Bar, on 44 Denton Street, officially opened its collection and takeaway service on September 14.
The sweet treat shop specialises in everything from waffles, milkshakes, doughnuts, rice-pudding, pick and mix sweets and their signature San Sebastian Cheesecake - which has already been flying off the shelves, proving very popular with the locals.
Our far-from-exhaustive list includes just a few of the businesses that have opened in Carlisle this year. But what have we missed? Give a shout-out to your new favourite business in the comments below.
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