A COCKTAIL bar and Mexican restaurant has announced that it will be changing hands after nine years of service.

Sam Norman, the owner of Dutch Uncle in Carlisle, announced that they have ‘let Dutch go’ on social media last week.

He added that people will be taking over Dutch Uncle in Carlyle's Court and that he will now focus more on his other establishments, including Maggie Elliot and Kitchen Rebels.

On social media, Dutch Uncle said: “None of this would have been possible without the continued belief and support from Marje Norman and Dad. [They]truly are the best parents in the world and I hope they’re proud of what we achieved as a family.

“From Carlisle Living awards to #neverstopmoving youth programmes, Dutch for me was always pushing boundaries. Dutch has made me who I am – when you think you're broken just get back up and keep swinging!

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who worked with me and helped make Dutch what it was. To everyone who bought a pint, a suiza or a teacher's pet, thank you.

“You helped me more than you will ever know. It’s been a blessing to host weddings, birthdays, christenings and other events for the amazing people of this city.

“It’s time to push on and move on to pastures new. I want to wish those taking over the very best of luck – love that building as much as I did.”

The new venture will see Mr Norman take over the food and drink at Stony Holme Golf Club after the previous people in charge decided they wanted to slow down after the last year.

Supportive messages have poured in from people across social media wishing him luck.