A COCKERMOUTH pub has turned back the clock - reverting to its old name and a traditional interior.

The Huntsman has also been painted green, meaning no one will fail to miss Main Street’s latest new business.

The pub will open its doors on Saturday morning. Behind the bar will be Caroline Davenport and her partner, John Reid.

Like all the other licensees who will be reopening this weekend, the couple are looking forward to welcoming customers.

They signed the lease in February, a month before lockdown, and have been busy ever since - fully refurbishing the premises.

John, who is Cockermouth born and bred and had his own painting and decorating business, has done all the work. He has been supported by family.

And it is family who will be helping the couple run their new business. Working alongside them will be son Zac Davenport and his wife Julie and granddaughter Toni Iredale.

Caroline said: “The place has been completely refurbished and is totally different to what it was. It used to be a really modern pub but we wanted it to be traditional, with comfy colours and old pictures.”

The pub, which is on three levels and also serves teas and coffees, will be open seven days a week. It will have live music and karaoke evenings.

The Huntsman, which was previously known as Hunter’s, first opened in 1811 as The Unicorn.

The couple intend to rent out the top floor flat to ex-services people.

“We want to help people coming out of the forces, provide them with somewhere to live while they get themselves a job,” said Caroline.

The town's public toilets - on Main Street and in Bitter Beck car park - reopened on Monday.

Many other town pubs, cafes and restaurants will be opening this weekend.

The town’s Chamber of Trade has compiled a list of businesses which will open on its website, cockermouthonline.co.uk.

Chamber of Trade chairman Andrew Marshall said: “It’s brilliant. Everyone has taken an awful lot of care.

“We want to create a comfortable environment where people feel safe.

“We’re thinking about people not profits.”