THE Coach and Horses pub at Kingstown in Carlisle will reopen its doors again in November after a major £300,000 upgrade.

The refurbishment will create ten new jobs and see The Coach and Horses, which has been closed for a year, repositioned as a 'top-quality family run local'.

Both family and dog friendly, it will offer freshly cooked food, a takeaway option, a premium drinks selection and live sports.

News and Star: How the pub is set to look after the refurbishment How the pub is set to look after the refurbishment (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)New licensee Susan Graham was born and raised in Carlisle and has been working in hospitality since she was 15.

Following a stint managing pubs in London she worked at The Sportsman in Carlisle for more than 25 years together with her sister and mother.

She also had her own business the Crème Café on Market Street, which closed due to Covid.

“I know how much residents have missed having The Coach and Horses open as my daughter lives in Kingstown,” said Susan.

“I used to drive past it and think how sad it looked and that it had so much potential.

“In the end I realised I could be the one to bring it back to life, create an amazing business and give the local community back their pub. I am really excited at the prospect.

“It’s going to be a family run affair. My daughter Danielle will be assistant manager and my future son-in-law, Jonathan Weekes will be head chef.

“We want The Coach and Horses to offer customers a more premium experience than before with the ambience, food and drink all taken to a new level.

“Everything will be freshly prepared – there will be no ping to plate here! I am looking forward to moving to Kingstown, getting to know the locals and re-rooting the pub in the community.”

Susan’s plans for the pub are to show live sports on the pub’s three TVs and recruit a darts team. When the pub is up and running, and if there’s interest, she intends to start a regular pub quiz.

In addition to barista style coffee, available all day, drinks will include a great selection of spirits and beers and ciders like Birra Moretti, Neck Oil, Old Mout, Inch’s, Fosters and Amstel. If there’s enough interest, Susan will also introduce cocktails.

The news of a newly-refurbished pub comes at a time when the industry is struggling in the city. The newly-reopened Royal Scot in Morton has closed and the historic Howard Arms in the city centre has also recently closed.

Star Pubs & Bars area manager, Rick Rose Coulthard said: “We’re delighted to be investing with Susan in creating a fantastic and unique pub for the area.

“Susan and her family have all the experience needed to transform The Coach & Horses and make it somewhere to be proud of. I wish them well.”