When Mark Nellist spotted a Cumbrian pub in need of some care and attention, he decided to act.

The businessman, who owns Mae’s Tea Room in Uldale, has never run a pub before, but said he could not resist the opportunity to step in and hand the Black Lion in nearby Ireby a new lease of life.

With the support of the local community, Mark has spent around £60,000 to transform the pub into something that people in the village can be proud of.

“I’ve owned the tea room in Uldale for the past six years or so and I pass it fairly often,” he told The Cumberland News . “I must admit I’d always fancied owning it and got the idea in my head, but when I’d looked into it, there were various things which were causing problems.

“About six months ago I decided to look into it properly and find my way through the red tape and it all built up from there.”

Mark said that it has taken him around three to four months to completely refurbish the pub, which closed its doors approximately two years ago. “There was a lot that needed doing,” he added. “We had to rip a lot of things out and it was also a case of bringing in a lot of new furniture. Both externally and internally there was work that needed doing as it was in a state of decay. In all we’ve spent about £60,000 on getting the pub up to scratch.”

As well as the pub’s renovation, there has also been a slight change to its name. Now known as “Emily’s Black Lion”, Mark has decided to name it after his younger daughter, who is four years old. “Mae’s Tea Room is named after my eldest daughter, who is eight,” he said. “So I thought it’d only be right to name the pub after Emily.”

Asked why he has chosen to name both his business ventures after his children, Mark says the reason is simple. “I’m quite a relaxed, easy-going person and sometimes I need a bit of motivation to get things done. I thought by naming them after my daughters, then it helps to remind me that they’re my inspiration and the reason why I’m involved.

“Mae likes helping out in the tea room when she’s not at school and likes her name being part of it. I think Emily’s still a bit too young to understand that the pub is named after her.”

The pub is currently opening to thirsty customers on weekends, but an official launch is set to take place on January 29. “Everyone has been extremely supportive,” Mark said. “Obviously we’re still in our honeymoon period at the moment but the response we’ve had from everyone has been overwhelming. A lot of the time pubs are closing so it’s not every day that one opens and I think people understand that.

“We were also in touch with Marston’s Brewery who were extremely helpful in coming to measure out the cellar and get us set up with some state-of-the-art kit.”

Looking ahead to what Emily’s Black Lion will offer customers, Mark said that the plan will be to keep things nice and simple. “I’m not interested in winning stars, awards or rosettes,” he explained. “Obviously we’ll be focusing heavily on the beer. We’ll have a lot of local ales as well as other ales and beers which are from around the UK and indeed the world. With regards to food, it’ll be available every night but we’re going to keep it simple, it’ll be good, honest bar meals.”