Pub-goers are raising a glass to the success of a pub revived and reopened following a £500,000 makeover.

Carlilse MP John Stevenson has been among those toasting the efforts that has transformed the fortunes of The Harraby Pub & Kitchen.

It has undergone an overhaul - designed to give it a family-friendly feel - by Star Pubs & Bars since landlords Maria and Ian Coulthard took the helm six months ago.

And it’s a move that the owners say has paid off, with 60 per cent of trade coming from families, with Sunday lunch regularly attracting 80 diners.

The pub also now boasts two darts teams, a pool team and a quiz team, all of whom participate in local leagues.

The couple have also made the Eden Valley Hospice their designated charity. Next month, they plan to host a lunch with a charity for people who don’t get out much as part of Heineken’s Brewing Good Cheer campaign, which raises awareness about loneliness.

Maria said: “It’s been a great few months weather wise and from a trading perspective.

“Our new bi-fold doors leading to the south-facing terrace were open most of the summer the weather was so good. Next year, we’re going to install an outside play area as so many families now use the pub.

“There is nothing like it nearby. We serve food all day even though it is a local community pub and have different offers every day of the week, which together with our monthly live music gets people out socialising.

“We’d like to thank our staff for their hard work, all our customers for supporting us over the last six months and to thank the community for making us feel so welcome.”

Mr Stevenson said: “I am delighted that such a large investment has been made in a Carlisle venture which has resulted in a pub being reopened and refurbished. It is clear that the present landlords have worked hard to root the pub into the community.”

Gary Corney, regional operations director of Star Pubs & Bars also praised the couple and added: “The investment transformed the look and feel of the pub, but it is Ian and Maria who’ve put the soul into it and made it the heart of the community.”