A village pub near Carlisle has re-opened after a £250,000 refurbishment.

Louise McPhee, 41, is now the licensee of The Royal Oak at Scotby, which had been shut for a year.

After 20 years working in London, Louise has returned to Carlisle where she started her career in catering.

She hopes to put the wealth of experience she gained in London into practice in Scotby.

The refurbishment, by Adminral Taverns, has transformed the pub into a cosy and welcoming local with a refreshed interior, a brand-new bar and a smart new seating area.

Louise is full of ideas to refresh the pub and make sure it plays a leading role in the community.

She said: “We have a fantastic opportunity here at the Royal Oak to make the pub a pillar of the community.

“I want to create a “home from home” where everyone feels welcome and we provide fantastic hospitality for all.

“During my time working in London I’ve gained a wealth of experience and I’m looking forward to putting my own touch on the pub with some great food and drinks.”

The pub welcomed villagers on Wednesday night - and it was a resounding success.

Louise said: “It was a busy night. I hope many of them will return.”

The pub will employ about eight people in total.

She said: “I’ve been recruiting in the village for bar staff and front of house staff. I have a vacancy for a chef.”

The Royal Oak will be launching a seasonal home-made menu fit for a Queen, Traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings including classical favourites with a twist such as steaks, burgers, prawn cocktails, fresh soup homemade scones as well as a Royal Oak Club Classics.

The food will be as locally sourced and as seasonal as possible to ensure customers have the tastiest food.

Daily specials will also specifically be produced from local and in season ingredients and the pub is looking to offer a fabulous range of drinks

As well as revolutionising the food and drink, Louise is looking to bring back community fun days, support the sports teams and dart team, introduce a curry club, help the local parish, begin charity fundraising and provide a great space for locals come and relax.

It is not only humans who are welcome at the pub - the Royal Oak welcomes its canine customers with special seating areas for dog walkers, water bowls and doggie treats on the bar. The refurbished beer garden provides the perfect place for walkers to sit, relax.