SIX friends who love beer have been raising a glass after realising their dream by opening a craft ale shop.

Opening two weeks ago to a foray of tourists and visitors in Keswick’s Packhorse Court, the shop is the brainchild of the friends who had always wanted to open up a beer business and were waiting for the perfect opportunity.

Craft Beer Keswick offers customers a diverse range of beers from local breweries and across the UK.

Primarily used as a shop, there is also draught available with seating areas indoors and outside for customers to enjoy a drink on-site.

Mark Swider, Adam Slaughter, Steve Stables, Zara Barua, Leon Finn and Lindon Bolton all share in the making of the the venture with Lindon taking the role of general manager.

"We’ve been friends for a really long time and we all love beer," he said. "It’s an idea that has been floating about for a couple years.

"Once the lease on the shop became available we jumped on it.

"It’s been really good and we’ve been really busy so far. Obviously the number of people in Keswick at the moment helps us out tremendously for the first couple months."

Reader's were surprised to hear about the opening of the new shop and especially about the six friends who are running it.

Joseph Airey said: "I went in here the other day and it was fantastic! Such a quality selection of beers."

Thomas Fraser, said: "Exactly what the town needs right now.

"Excellent stuff lads - keep it up."