A CARLISLE restaurant is set to 'cement' its space on Fisher Street as they plan to expand into the adjacent Castle Chocolates unit later this year. 

The Old Bank, on Fisher Street, will be renovating the unit into a new bar area when it becomes vacant. 

The expansion comes after Castle Chocolates announced that they would be moving around September time. 

Castle Chocolates will be taking over from the 'First We Eat' deli.

The Old Bank will be taking over its former unit around the same time. 

"We have talked and talked and talked about needing a separate bar area for long enough," said owner Matt Rayson. 

"When we heard Castle Chocolates was leaving it was a no-brainer," he said. 

A planning application has been submitted to Cumberland Council to connect the new section with the restaurant.

The new bar space aims to accommodate around 20 to 25 customers.

The proposal highlights an increase in employment on the site with the addition of two part-time staff members. 

"If you have visited the Old Bank and have seen our eclectic decor then you don’t want to miss what we have up our sleeves for our new space," Matt said. 

"It will be used on a first-come first-served basis.

"We won’t be taking bookings for it! A lot more secrets to be revealed about the new space but we are so excited about our new little chapter.

"Owning a small business is tough certainly in the times we live in, but we cannot thank you all enough for supporting our dream and us being able to expand, wouldn’t happen without your help.

"We are cementing our place on the corner of Fisher Street. Proud to be a part of Carlisle's Historic Quarter," he said.