A CITY centre pub has opened a new upstairs gin parlour following an extensive refurbishment.

The team at The Howard Arms, on Lowther Street, Carlisle, unveiled their new venture last week which will serve more than 100 brands of of gin, as well as a range of afternoon teas.

The addition, named Said the Actress to the Bishop in a tongue-in-cheek reference to the history of the city’s theatre that once stood opposite, plays back to the halcyon days of the early 1900s.

Its opening is the culmination of many weeks of work behind the scenes by Dianne Irving, owner of The Howards Arms.

Dianne told the News & Star: “For more than 100 years The Howard Arms stood across the road from Carlisle’s Her Majesty’s Theatre and within a quick hop, skip and a jump in the opposite direction from the cathedral.

“During that time many actors and actresses made the short journey across the road (or under it if you believe the many urban myths of Carlisle’s underground tunnel network) to drink at the legendary bar of The Howard Arms, including - famously - the great Laurel and Hardy.

“We don’t really know if any of the local clergy visited, but we sincerely hope they did.

“During the gloomy days of the 1930s Great Slump, the racy actresses visiting the theatre across the road allegedly brought much entertainment and fun to a cold Carlisle night.

“We are recreating the days when the upstairs’ parlour was filled with the shrill laughter of the actress, entertaining all who visited with her fine wit and repartee - and a drop of some illicit gin to make the night go with a swing.”

Among the many activities to kick-start the brand new venture, the parlour will hold a number of gin tasting events and will serve up afternoon teas in a venue that Dianne says is “quite unique to Cumbria”.

“We have been delighted with the response to the refurbishment at The Howard and we are very excited about this new addition to the pub,” Dianne added.

The opening comes several months after the pub re-opened its doors to customers following a £350,000 refurbishment at the end of July - in time for the busy summer season.

It follows extensive research to bring back a 1920s atmosphere within the the popular premises, including the addition of ‘20s style-furniture and staff uniforms.

Dianne also runs the national award-winning Crown Inn on Scotland Road, Stanwix and The White Mare on Morass Road in Beckermet in the west of the county.

Said the Actress to the Bishop will be open from Thursdays to Sundays.