A new bar and restaurant is taking over a unit formerly occupied by a burger chain at a Carlisle hotel.

Penny Blue is opening on Warwick Road as part of The Halston Hotel.

The new "food and lounge concept" will see an open kitchen serving modern tapas and a grill menu.

Afternoon teas will also be served at the new bar and restaurant sited in the former post office building.

It will be open from lunchtime until late.

Belted, which has a branch in Edinburgh, closed its doors in June after three years due to a lack of interest.

A spokeswoman for the Halston said: "The brand-new opening combines warm rich contemporary decor with an open kitchen, leather banquettes, high tables and private dining area.

"The bar will offer a range of original and classic cocktails, an extensive spirit menu, gin bar and a handpicked wine list."

Meanwhile, work is ongoing to transform the former Lloyds Pharmacy further down the street into a new bar called Yellowjacket.

The bar, which will open next month, will be run by mother and son team Gill and Cameron Ellis, who have The Lane Bar on Long Lane, off Fisher Street in Carlisle.

It will be cocktail and mixed drinks bar with table service.

The bar takes its name from the Yellowjacket wasp.

The upper floors of the building will house six new townhouse apartments developed by The Halston following extensive renovation work on the site which sits on the corner of Cecil Street