A new bar in Carlisle has opened, welcoming droves of customers on its first night.
Connelly’s Bar, which opened on Devonshire Street on December 9, has passed its opening weekend on what was a typically busy Saturday night for the city.
Its USP is its romantic, intimate space, inviting couples to share a quieter, more elegant evening with wines, beers, and mixed drinks.
John Connelly, the owner, said the bar offers ‘serene daytime escapes’ to ‘evenings aglow with romance’, complemented by dimmed lights and a cosy atmosphere.
In the near future, there will also be live music nights on certain days to help set the tone of the evening, and it will also be on offer for private celebrations.
Speaking more on the background to opening this bar, Mr Connelly said: “The idea came from what I think I enjoy when I go out drinking.
“I like to go out with my partner, sit, and have a few cocktails with her, enjoying something in a warm atmosphere.
“When it comes to Saturday evenings or late on a Friday, the vibe possibly may change slightly, with a bit of music and higher volume of people.”
Gavin Bisset, the bar manager, served up a French Martini – a cocktail made of vanilla vodka, raspberry liqueur, and pineapple juice.
He explained that the bar is run by bartenders who want to give customers the best experience possible.
With the bar not planning to serve food – focussing on drinks – this means its drinks service aims to be a cut above what you might get elsewhere in the city.
There is no cocktail menu per se as of yet, as bar staff know a plethora of recipes by memory and can provide many choices based on taste preferences – with customers being invited to ask for recommendations if they are unsure, or to confidently order their favourite classic cocktails.
There will be signature cocktails soon, however, which will form a menu, Mr Bisset said.
The interior features wooden tables and chairs in an open area near the bar, and a more secluded section with a tiger mural towards the back.
There are also lounge chairs and sofas which bring out the living-room atmosphere Mr Connelly said he was going for.
Additionally, some seats are made of old beer kegs, one of which is said to still contain lager, that were left by the previous owners - The Fat Gadgie.
The bar is open 12-12 from Thursday to Sunday, every week.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here