A WELL-LOVED Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar has recently changed hands and is preparing to reopen.

Dutch Uncle in Carlisle was run by Sam Norman for nine years before it was taken over by former Carlisle United footballer Jaic Miller.

Jaic, 21, said he hopes the business, which he has renamed ‘Medusa’, can ‘spice up’ the city as it looks to open on May 20.

The prospect of the opening was met with enthusiasm from our readers.

Cumbria Knack stated: "Great news. I hope it's a success. I along with many of my friends have hoped Carlisle would get a Mexican restaurant in Carlisle for a long time."

Reader Shinyman can also see the restaurant filling a void in the city's restaurant scene.

"It's a great idea, he stated. "We need a Mexican since Panchos closed."

Fellow reader The King of Sting also offered their best wishes for the venture, commenting: "I hope it's a big success!

"Looking forward to some Mexican food followed by multiple cocktails. Best of luck."

The announcement was seemingly perfectly timed for reader Samantha Clark who expressed her delight at the news of Medusa's opening.

She said: "We were just talking about there not being a Mexican yesterday!"

Reader Audrey Latimer could prove to be the restaurant's first ever international customer and is already planning a trip from Scotland to sample the (drinks) menu at the venue.

"Sounds good for next cocktail trip south of the border," she stated.