The Reiver to Reopen in May Following a Upgrade

There’s great news for residents of Morton in Carlisle The Reiver on Holmrook Road is to reopen on 27th April in time for the coronation with local residents, Aaron Selby and Sophie Hope taking it on its management.

Building work starts on 27th March on a £265,000 upgrade by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs & Bars1 to create a great quality family community local after a two-year closure. 20 new jobs are being created on the back of the upgrade which will see food reintroduced.

It’s a return to her old work place 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 it closed and has also worked at The Royal Scot in Carlisle.  More recently, she has worked as a Team Leader in a child’s play centre and so knows the area and local residents well. 

Aaron knows the pub well too having visited it as a customer.  He also has extensive hospitality experience, having worked on door security in hospitality venues in Carlisle.

The refurbishment 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 great traditional pub favourites. The pub is being redecorated to give it a brighter, smarter more contemporary look and feel.

Outside, the tired looking pub will be totally overhauled with a new roof, new cladding and signage.  An enclosed beer garden is being created featuring a striking Heineken mural, tables and benches and umbrellas.  Well behaved dogs will be welcome in outside areas of the pub.

Aaron and Sophie’s 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.

The drinks will include a wide selection of premium wines, spirits, and beers as well as cask and craft ales and Heineken 0.0. 

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

Says Aaron: ”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!”

Star Pubs & Bars area manager, Rick Rose Coulthard says: “There is nothing in walking distance for the hundreds of houses on the Morton estate, so we’re delighted to be investing in The Reiver to give the community back their pub.  It will also be a friendly hub for residents of the new housing estate to meet their neighbours.  Aaron and Sophie make a great team and knowing what the community want, will ensure the future success of The Reiver.”