Penrith’s newest nightspot has given people a sneak peek of what’s to come as it opened its doors early for a very special birthday bash at the weekend.
The Loose Moose, in Little Dockray, formerly The General Wolfe, pulled out all the stops to put on a private party for Barbara Langley on Sunday, to mark her 80th birthday.
Barbara, of Penrith, and husband Frank, enjoyed a night to remember and the couple, who celebrate 46 years of marriage together on 14th January, even had a twirl on the new dancefloor.
There was live music from local singer Michael Trotter and a tasty buffet laid on by Catherine Westray, of Penrith.
The venue is owned by Bettina Bush with partner, Jason Elliott, of Penrith, having helped to oversee this year’s massive overhaul.
Jason wanted to help Barbara celebrate the big “8-0” after they became close friends while working together at the Flying Bacon, on Middlegate, where Barbara worked for around six years until its closure in 2016.
Delighted Barbara, speaking above the din on the night, said: “They weren’t supposed to be opening the pub until this coming week, but Jason got it done especially for me because he’s a friend and he was my boss at work. I’d really like to thank him because it’s been a great night. Getting to 80 has really been a milestone in my life because I lost both my parents at an early age.” Barbara added: “What they have done with this place is just outstanding — extraordinary. I’ve kept coming in to keep an eye on it and have seen it in all its different stages. I never thought for one minute they would get it like this for tonight! It’s totally different and unlike anywhere else. It’s been a great night and everybody has been so good.”
As for her advice for a long life, Barbara swears by keeping busy: “I’ve still got two volunteer jobs, I work for the church shop, Restore, and Oaktree. Jason says I’ve got a job here if I want it being front of house — I think he wants me to be the rottweiler on the door!”
As well as friends and family, others travelled from Sunderland; Lancashire, and West Cumbria, to be there.
Barbara and Frank have only just returned from a fortnight in Finland, where they caught up with their son Richard, daughter-in-law, Jenni, and grand-daughter Sofia. It coincided with Barbara’s son, Stewart Pimblett, also competing in a paralympic wheelchair curling competition for England in Finland too. Frank, aged 75, was also impressed with the new venue, saying: “It’s great, absolutely lovely.”
Of the redevelopment of the premises which officially opens on Tuesday, Jason thanked partner Bettina.
Jason explained that the idea had been two and a half years in the making and the works to convert started around seven months ago.
Among the many he thanked for helping was Mark Scott, of Explosive Productions Ltd, Carlisle, who had overseen the bespoke high quality sound system and disco. Jason said the new venue, with its 1980s-style dancefloor, aimed to be a “quirky, homely, friendly venue”.
Jason, of Penrith, said: “I want it to feel like Central Perk, where you come in and feel at home and relaxed.” Of Barbara, he said: “We’ve just been friends ever since the Flying Bacon and she’s lovely, cuddly, warm and flamboyant! The salt of the earth.”
