By Mark Campbell
Cumbrians love their peace and tranquility in the glorious scenery – but they know how to let their hair down, too. Here are some of the best places to have a great night out.
Nightclubs
If you’re looking for nightclubs and bars, Carlisle’s Botchergate is still the street with the highest density, although others have opened around Devonshire Street and Lonsdale Street, and in the Historic Quarter. Botchergate gets very lively on Friday and Saturday nights. The street is closed to traffic from 9pm to let party people wander from one side to the other, and back again, as they visit a number of bars and clubs.
Live sport
A right turn after walking out of the railway station, Botchergate opens with The Griffin pub on the right, a good place to watch live sport on TV, and a cracking little venue, Bar Solo, on the left. Travelling down the street from there, you’ll come across themed bars taking you back to the 70s, or to Australia, along with a few traditional pubs, restaurants and plenty of takeaways.
If you’re looking for nightclubs and bars, Carlisle’s Botchergate is still the street with the highest density, although others have opened around Devonshire Street and Lonsdale Street
Trendy bars
Devonshire Street has earned a reputation for trendier bars, where drinks discounts aren’t the attraction but creativity of alcohol and food offerings certainly is. You could spend a pleasurable night without taking many steps, visiting The Thin White Duke, Artwork, The Fat Gadgie and Maggie Elliott & the Three Pillars.
Intimate shows
The Old Fire Station is an arts and entertainment centre, which is home to a variety of events
Carlisle has a number of smaller venues for the more intimate show. The Brickyard is a live music venue with a capacity of 320, a great use of a century-old church hall. The Old Fire Station is exactly what it says it is, and has been building a great reputation over recent years for its programme of live entertainment, from bands you loved as a teenager to cutting-edge comedians and plays. It also gives a space to local artists, workshops and exhibitions.
