A CARLISLE restaurant has been working hard on renovating its new bar area. 

The Old Bank has been renovating the former Castle Chocolates unit next door with hopes of 'cementing' the business' presence on Fisher Street. 

The new 'drinking lounge', which connects with the restaurant, aims to accommodate around 20 to 25 customers on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Offering a 'teaser' on what's to come on social media, owner Matt Rayson said it would be open to the public in two weeks.

"It’s been a mammoth task and I’ve had the best help from family and friends along the way," he wrote. 

The expansion follows after Castle Chocolates took over from the 'First We Eat' deli unit further down the street at the end of August. 

Speaking previously, Matt said: "We have talked and talked and talked about needing a separate bar area for long enough

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

"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.

"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," he said. 

Cumberland Council granted planning permission for the extension earlier this year. 

For more updates on the number one rated restaurant in Carlisle on Tripadvisor, you can follow www.facebook.com/@theoldbankcarlisle