By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 14:07, Thursday, 04 October 2012

The Office bar in Carlisle has a new owner.

Ben Read

Ben Read has bought the popular Botchergate bar from Hopper Leisure Limited.

He completed the purchase on Monday.

Mr Read, 21, said: “I am over the moon to be the owner of The Office. It is such a beautiful bar and has such a nice clientele.

“It came along at the right time as I was at a bit of a loose end but I had the cash to do it and it’s only been sold because I offered the right amount of money.”

Mr Read used to run Big Al’s Sports Bar in Englishgate Plaza and Party Party.

He said: “I’ve got lots of experience and it’s fine as it is. It doesn’t need anything major doing to it – just a few tweaks here and there.

“The Office was a really well run bar and it was doing very well. It’s in a prime spot on Botchergate.

“It used to be only open on Friday and Saturday nights but I’m hoping to open it six nights a week.”

Mr Read, who had plans to open another club in Carlisle called Chez Moi, will keep the existing Office staff.

Chez Moi was going to open on Lowther Street in premises formerly occupied by The Social bar and Robertson’s bakery.

The idea was that the club, on two-storeys, would be themed like a house with different rooms – a living room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms and a bathroom.

He said: “The plans for Chez Moi are on hold for the time being.

“It will happen in the future though, they’re just on the back burner at the moment.”

The Office is holding a private 21st party tonight and then will be open to the public again from tomorrow.

First published at 11:26, Thursday, 04 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk