A popular Penrith hotel and bar looks set to to expand.
Mark Bowman, of RHM (Cumbria) Ltd, is seeking planning permission and listed building approval to extend the King Street-based Lounge Hotel and Bar into offices recently vacated by the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald.
The newspaper relocated to new premises in Middlegate about six months ago.
Information accompanying the application states: “Since the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald ceased to manufacture and distribute the newspaper from the premises at 14 King Street, Penrith, the buildings to the rear of the sales and administrative offices were no longer required and the owners made the decision to sell the whole site and lease back the frontage offices to continue producing the paper.
“RHM (Cumbria) Ltd has now converted the rear production areas on two floors, expanding their Lounge Hotel and Bar facilities by linking through the party wall from the Lounge at both ground and first floor levels to create additional bar and eating spaces with associated food preparation, storage, toilet accommodation and additional hotel bedrooms.
“The proposed conversion of the now vacated ground, first and second floor offices which front on to King Street will provide much needed additional bar, dining, function room, kitchen, storage and toilet facilities.”
Existing parking areas would be retained for staff and guests. The Lounge Bar and Hotel, Mitre House, 12 King Street (formally the Mitre Hotel and pub) is a Grade II listed building.
The Mitre Inn was built in 1669 and rebuilt in 1904, retaining its first door which had lasted for 250 years. The date is carved on the moulded and shaped lintel.
There is also plaque in memory of Trooper William Pearson, who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade.
