THE new owners of a new restaurant in Carlisle that is set to throw open its doors to the public next week have promised to bring the 'flavours, art, and atmosphere of Mexico' to the city.

Michael Boone and Bruno Lokutijevskis are the partners behind La Cueva de La Llorona, and aim to bring an 'immersive dining experience' to the new 90-seater eatery set over two floors at 9 Devonshire Street.

With the finishing touches currently being added to the hauntingly authentic interior, Michael offered us a sneak-peek into what customers can expect.

"Talking to all my ex-pat friends over here, we've all said nobody does Mexican right", Michael, originally from Florida, told us.

"A big focus is obviously the food – real Mexican food has a big emphasis on freshness and taste over presentation, it’s more of a home-cooked style,

"I want to it to remain a restaurant, not a bar or club or anything like that, it's going to be an immersive experience, and we've taken it all from the story of La Llorona.

"The legend of La Llorona is one that has been passed down through generations in Mexico.

"It tells the story of Maria, a woman whose deep love and beauty were known to all.

"However, her life took a tragic turn when she experienced a great sorrow that led her to the river, where her heart became forever tied to the waters.

"Her spirit, now wandering between two worlds, searches endlessly for what she has lost, her cries echoing through the night.

"In Mexican tradition, La Llorona is both a cautionary tale and a symbol of the thin line between the living and the spirit world.

"Her story reminds us of the importance of memory, the consequences of loss, and the eternal bond we share with those who have passed.

"At La Cueva de La Llorona, we celebrate this rich legend through our art, atmosphere, and food.

"Our immersive dining experience draws inspiration from Mexico's Day of the Dead, a festival that honours the memory of loved ones and invites the living to come together, share stories, and appreciate the present."

Michael quipped that he regards Devonshire Street as 'the Bond Street of Carlisle', and explained why it’s the right time to embark on this new adventure.

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"I never envisaged owning a restaurant, but it seems such a winning combination here.

"With our concept, the team behind it – Bruno is such a dynamic manager, and being at the heart of the Southern Gateway and Citadel projects, it just made sense.

"We're so passionate about our theme, and maybe not everyone's going to like it, but for the ones that do, they're going to find a real home."

La Cueva de La Llorona will open to the public for the very first time on Saturday, November 2, and will take bookings through www.lalloronacarlisle.com.