A CARLISLE bar is to be put on the market after a family bereavement.

Gill Ellis, 62, has decided to sell The Lane Bar on Long Lane - between Fisher Street and Castle Street - following the death of her husband Stuart, 61, from cancer on May 24.

Gill has run the bar, which used to be called Alcoves and before the Lemon Lounge and Magenta restaurant since 2011.

She said: “After the recent sad loss of my husband I have decided that now is the time for new beginnings.

“So with sadness we have decided to place the Lane Bar up for sale.

“It has been a most rewarding and challenging adventure for over eight years but without my beloved husband at my side it’s time to let the reins go to another.

“We will still be trading as usual as we need to find the right Lane-iac for The Lane.”

Gill, who used to run a bar in Puerto Banus in Spain, is now thinking about moving abroad.

She said: “I’d like to go somewhere just a bit warmer. I’ve no definite timescale but it’s something I’d like to happen in the not too distant future.”

Gill said news of the sale had generated a lot of interest.

She said: “People are interested but we’ve nothing definite yet. It’s not on the market yet but it will be soon.

“Running a bar is a 24/7 operation. There is always something to do and we’ve got our garden as well - I just feel it’s time to maybe do something a little bit different.”

Gill will take away lots of memories from her time at The Lane bar.

She said: “Someone once stole a Ben de Lisi cushion from the bar and because of that I became friends with designer Ben de Lisi himself so that’s nice.

“I’ve made a lot of good friends and have had a lot of good nights in the bar. Although Stuart was not always present he was always there in the background doing things.

“We don’t serve food as we changed the kitchen into Monty’s bar. People often asked us to do food but that wasn’t what we went into the business for.”

Friends and customers of the popular bar took to Facebook to express their sadness and memories of the bar.

Lynn Graham said: “So sorry for your loss.

“The Lane is such a special place and holds many great memories, for you and your family, for me, and the many others who frequented your beautiful bar.”

Blaine Cruddace said: “I will never forget the many amazing times I’ve spent at The Lane! A legacy that will live on forever. A proud Lane-iac. Thinking of you all.”

Laura Boyle said: “So very sorry to hear of your loss, Gill.

“I have so many great memories from The Lane since day one. Much love and luck for the future.”

Natalie Labrosse said: “So sorry to hear of your loss.

“Love to all the family. You’re in our thoughts.

“Sending you all the love and well wishes.”

Denise Harkness said: “I am sorry to hear your sad news.

“Lots of love to you and your family.”