Said the Actress to the Bishop brings some 1920’s chic to Carlisle
Said the Actress to the Bishop brings some 1920’s chic to Carlisle.
The green and gold Doulton tiles out in front of the Howard Arms ooze history and the effect is amplified by the wood-panelled interior as soon as you step through the door.
Owner Dianne Irving is keen to continue with the historic feel in the new gin bar upstairs: “It’s called ‘Said the Actress to the Bishop’ and it’s got lots of tongue in cheek references to the theatre that was across the road. A lot of performers would come over to The Howard Arms after a show including the legendary Laurel and Hardy.
In the ’20s the ladies wouldn’t have been particularly welcome in bars so they would go upstairs and reading between the lines of the history books there were all sorts of goings-on and shenanigans, so we have re-created an actress’ parlour where they would have entertained after the show. It’s decorated with things like the screen where the ladies would get changed, complete with stockings.”
When the Howard Arms reopened earlier this year the sympathetic renovations heightened the atmosphere in the traditional pub and while staff downstairs are in flat caps and tweed, upstairs they will sport silk waistcoats, cravats and straw boaters.
Said the Actress to the Bishop is a wonderfully atmospheric place to relax and sample from the menu of 100 gins.
“It will be table service,” said Dianne. “We have a range of Gin cocktails all served in different glasses but what’s really exciting are our afternoon teas called G and T’s. We’ll also do a gin tasting experience and afternoon tea along with a cocktail making experience called ‘Cocktails and Cream Cakes’. It’s the perfect place to come and relax with a gin cocktail or celebrate an occasion with your friends and have some fun.”
Initially, the new bar will open from Thursday through to Sunday. It’s a very intimate space so it’s best to book your afternoon tea or small function in advance and with plans to have singers in it will be perfect to escape the crowds in this cosy hideaway… said the Actress to the Bishop.
Find them on Facebook @howardarmscarlisle or give them a call on 01228 648398
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