ONE of Workington's oldest pubs will re-open soon, with its owners aiming to bring more nightlife back into the town.

Stephen and Angela Bell will re-open The Red House on King Street in Workington - after months of renovation at one of the town's oldest pubs, which dates back to the 1800s.

The couple have already enjoyed much success in Workington's hospitality scene, as owners of the popular Well on Jane Street, as well as 2Bar on Market Place in the town.

The latest venture will see the couple re-open the former Red House pub, which most recently has been home to Mr Wilson's Tea Rooms, into a 'traditional sports bar' for the town.

Speaking about re-opening the pub, Angela said: "This is just a way for us to develop our business further.

"We just want to give people something that maybe isn't there already... this will be focused on traditional sports."

Despite a seeming decline in the hospitality trade, especially in traditional pubs over the last number of years, the Bells have always found success in their businesses.

When asked what the secret to success was, Angela said: "I think we are always in our venues. I am always there, and Stephen is always about. We have good staff who have been with us for a long time and know how we like things run, and we listen to people and what they want."

Stephen has worked 'with the building', repairing and restoring many original features including the traditional sign of the pub, which was formerly called the Queen's Arms. The landlord revealed the sign whilst working on the building and has restored it to go in pride of place on the front of the pub. 

And as word gets out about the re-opening of the bar, the couple say that the public's reaction has been brilliant.

Stephen said: "It's been very good, very positive. I think people know that when we do something we try and do it for the people and do it right. I think people are excited with that we are going to do.

"We feel the business is there, we just need to invest in the area and bring that business back."

And they hope to bring the traditional 'circuit' back to its former glory in the town -giving customers more choice when on nights out.

Angela said: "I think it's been good (the reception) because it's the Red House, it did leave us for a while and it was successful being Mr Wilsons, but people are excited for the pub to be coming back and getting the circuit back.

"We want more pubs in the area so that people come out and have a choice. The more the merrier, we are quite happy when other pubs open, we are just trying to get a pub circuit back in Workington."