Coffee giant Costa has revealed it is eyeing up a number of new locations in Carlisle as plans emerged for its FOURTH cafe in the city.

The News & Star has established the multinational chain is in negotiations to take over the former Ed’s Easy Diner unit in The Lanes Shopping Centre.

But it is also checking out other sites in the city.

The move comes as Carlisle's cafe culture continues to develop, with a number of shops opening every year.

The city's growing love affair with caffeine mirrors national statistics, suggesting people are spending more on eating and drinking out than ever before.

A spokeswoman for Costa said: "We have been looking at various opportunities in Carlisle, with The Lanes Shopping Centre being one potential location."

The firm is currently transforming the former Pancho’s restaurant, near the railway station, into one of its coffee shops.

Costa, which opened in the city in 1998, already has a massively popular outlet at the town hall, as well as a branch upstairs in Waterstones bookshop.

Just outside the city, it has outlets at Southwaite and Todhills services.

The spokeswoman added: "The store in Court Square is under development and, all going to plan, it should open at the end of March or early April.

"This will create eight to 10 new jobs."

Coffee entrepreneur Luke Jackson, who runs Foxes cafe on Abbey Street in Carlisle, is among the most high profile figures in Carlisle cafe culture.

He said: "I’ve got nothing against national chains. Costa have obviously done their research.

"They’ve seen the potential for growth in cafes.

"I think there needs to be more independents too. You get a better experience at an independent cafe and it’s more atmospheric too."

He added: "Having a coffee is a cultural thing and it’s become a more affordable luxury.

"People now go out for lunch on a whim because it’s a treat."

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that people are spending an average of £19.70 a week in cafes and restaurants.

Jo Bulman, a statistician from the ONS, said: "We've seen some interesting shifts in the types of things people are spending their money on.

"Households spent more than £45 a week on restaurants and hotels for the first time in five years."