EVER wondered where Carlisle's trendsetters hang out in their own city?
From upwardly mobile trendy professional to hip bohemian University students our historic city is emerging as the place to be for those who want to be cool.
While we wait for the Citadel university campus to arrive to bring in more young people to add vibrancy to the city, there are certainly more than a few places to go for those in the know.
Lauren Crowther, a young businesswoman who founded and runs Sierra Communications, has offered her suggestions for some of Carlisle’s trendiest places for people to shop, drink, eat, work and relax.
1. The Guild
Lauren said of The Guild, a co-working space on Abbey Street in Carlisle: “It’s a coworking space for young professionals mainly.
“You need to pay for a membership to be there and you get a hot desk, they do a free breakfast, they’ve got loads of really good facilities, and they take you out for meals, and it’s a really good way to meet like-minded creative people and professionals.”
2. Espresso Hub
Lauren said of this Greenmarket café: “As a work spot I really like Espresso Hub, they have free Wi-Fi that’s actually really reliable, they have plugs as well next to the tables, and it’s right in the centre of town, it’s a perfect people-watching spot.”
3. The Crescent Bar
Her favourite drinking spot which is on The Crescent, next to Nando’s, Lauren said of this: “It’s not on Botchergate which is obviously really nice.
“It has a really nice outside area, kind of gives you more London vibes than anywhere else in the city.”
4. Barton’s Yard
For a food spot, Lauren said of Barton’s Yard, within The Halston: “I’ll often meet friends for a coffee there or even a cocktail.
“They do really nice afternoon tea, and it’s a great spot to work remotely.
“They do a really good steak baguette that’s really cheap.”
5. Tribe
Always worth a mention is Tribe, a joint food spot, bar and venue in Bitts Park, of which Lauren said: “There are a lot of students who go to the quiz nights at Tribe.
“They’re themed around trends and pop culture, and they’re free so we get a big turn out.”
6. Printyard
Tucked away on Old Post Office Court is this hipster haven that serves food and cocktails.
Lauren explained: “They do really nice street food and always freshen their drinks menu.
“It’s not a tacky student place, it has some really cool street art there as well that was doe by Blank Wall Assassins, so it’s a bit more cultural than your average Botchergate bar.”
7. S4
Streetwear brand S4 has their only shop on Lonsdale Street in Carlisle, selling skater clothes and such.
Lauren said: “We don’t have many cool shops in Carlisle that young people would shop at, but S4 is one.”
8. Alexandro’s
Their deli on Warwick Road open in the day is ever-popular, especially for their gyros.
9. Room 26
Another alt clothes shop, Room 26 on Bank Street stocks clothes bought from London.
Lauren said: “Again (like S4) it is menswear, maybe there’s a gap in the market for good independent womenswear?”
10. Warwick Bazaar
From trading cards, to teashades, from old football shirts to rabbit skulls and taxidermy ants, Warwick Bazaar is the perfect spot for anything out-of-the-ordinary on Warwick Road, and one of Lauren’s top picks.
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