A POPULAR west Cumbrian pub described as a 'gem' in the community is going through a complete refurbishment. 

The Globe Inn, a pub at Hensingham in Whitehaven, is currently being managed by Julie Reed and is owned by her husband's company. 

The pub is very popular in the community and Julie has decided to keep the same staff. 

It is currently being completely refurbished with new seating, paneling and tables. The bar and beer garden is also being developed as is the upstairs area which now has a 90-inch television and low seating for those who want to watch sporting events. 

Ms Reed, the landlady manager, said: "We've had two fantastic landladies and they are ready to have a rest.

"I've taken over in the interim period and during this time we're doing a complete refurb, we've almost completed downstairs, then we'll be doing the upstairs and kitchen area and beer garden.

"We've tried to keep the doors open as much as possible but we are shut on Mondays and Tuesdays - during those days we are working with our wonderful team of dedicated craftsmen.

In Cumbria: Julie and the team inside the pub as it undergoes renovations Julie and the team inside the pub as it undergoes renovations (Image: Newsquest)

"We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of all the existing customers, we've got a really loyal base of customers who've come here for many a year.

"At the moment we've got a really nice team and we're doing well considering it's in the colder months and we've also got some new customers who are saying they'll be using it as their local.

"The biggest thing I've found is that it's a real cornerstone of the community... it's not just a pub, it's a place where people really need to come and meet and socialize.

"The last part of the jigsaw will be the kitchen. At the minute we're not doing food but we're encouraging people to bring food in from The Cottage Chippy over the road and we've also got bar snacks.

"With the Cheltenham Festival coming up next week we're asking people to bring their own food in and watch it in the pub. 

"My daughter's really into cocktails so we've got a wonderful cocktail menu and I'm interested in working with local traders like brewers for the ales and a place in Keswick to supply our wine list."