HUGE oak beams and posts are being installed at a pub in Carlisle that is undergoing renovation - after more than a decade of being shut.

The beams will house a new conservatory extension that will lead out to a play area at the Horse and Farrier pub in Wigton Road.

The pub, which in its hey day was a popular spot with a bowling green, had been shut and boarded up until it was snapped up.

Stephen Whitehead, from the pub, said: “Once these are up the roofers can do this face of the building.

“With a bit of luck it looks like the roof should finish in February making it nearly nine months of a job replacing it.

“The roof is moving on now we have the correct bonnet tiles for the hips, electrical work moving on, kitchen extension now watertight and ladies loos are in.”

The pub is waiting to hear if planning permission for a new accommodation block has been passed.

“We can then crack on with that as soon as the builders' Christmas break is over,” Mr Whitehead added.

Some of the new oak window frames are already in place and the metal frames have been ordered.

The Horse & Farrier has stood empty for 11 years but work began last year to transform it into a gastro pub with rooms.

It is one of the city’s derelict Harry Redfern sites.

Carlisle-born businessman Richard Berry is investing in the region of £1.5m transforming the former Horse & Farrier pub.

The gastro pub will be based on another of his businesses – Romneys in Kendal, one of the most successful food-led pubs in the north west of England.

Plans include an extension to the pub and the conversion of the manager’s flat on the first floor into en-suite bedrooms.

Mr Berry’s group of businesses bought the site – on the corner of Wigton Road and Orton Road – from Tesco. They had owned the site for several years.

The refurbishment will retain the original character of the 1928 grade II-listed building while offering a “modern twist” for families.

Original internal features inside will be retained include some panelling, fireplaces and doors.

It should open later this year when it will be ready to welcome diners and drinkers.