THERE'S good news for residents of Morton in Carlisle as a familiar favourite pub is set to reopen following a £265,000 upgrade.

The Reiver on Holmrook Road is to reopen on April 27 - in time for the coronation of the new king - with local residents Aaron Selby and Sophie Hope taking on its management.

Building work starts on March 27, by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars, to create a 'great quality family community local' after a two-year closure.

20 new jobs will be created on the back of the upgrade which will see food reintroduced.

News and Star: CGI of The Reiver following upgrade works CGI of The Reiver following upgrade works (Image: Supplied)

It’s a return to her old workplace for Sophie, who has worked in hospitality all her life.

She spent five years as a member of bar staff at The Reiver up until the day it closed, and has also worked at The Royal Scot in Carlisle. 

Aaron knows the pub well too, having visited it as a customer.

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He also has extensive hospitality experience, having worked on door security in hospitality venues in Carlisle.

The refurbishment aims to improve all areas of The Reiver, creating a distinct drinking and dining space and a sports area with pool table and darts.

A kitchen upgrade is taking place so Sophie and Aaron can serve traditional pub favourites.

News and Star: Aaron Selby and Sophie Hope inside the soon-to-be renovated pubAaron Selby and Sophie Hope inside the soon-to-be renovated pub (Image: Supplied)

Plans for The Reiver include hosting regular pub quizzes, bingo, karaoke and live music, as well as showing live sports on TV.

The couple are also looking for pool, darts and dominoes teams.

”We are from the community ourselves so know what it has been missing these last two years.

"At the moment many of the older generation aren’t going out and others are having to travel as far as Currock for a beer. Locals are crying out to have a family-oriented local on their doorstep again.

"We want it to be the life and soul of the area, a safe, friendly place for everyone to come together.

"We can’t wait to open the doors," Aaron said. 

The couple are keen for The Reiver to reclaim its position as a true hub of the community.