A GRADE-II listed pub - which lay empty for over two years before undergoing a transformation - has opened a new cafe.

The Farmer’s Arms at Lowick Bridge has launched a new cafe inside the pub which sells a selection of home-baked cakes.

The cafe is situated in the space of the old Lounge Bar - and is open every week from Wednesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm.

The Farmer's Arms was purchased by Grizedale Arts in April after more than £300k was raised to help save the pub.

Local investors and donors, on top of a matching loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund, contributed to the fund.

Upon taking over the site, the arts organisation announces plans to return the inn back to the heart of the community.

The Grade-II listed pub had been empty for nearly two years before the charity took it over and transformed the neglected building.

And now, a new community cafe has opened on December 8 for those looking for a cosy space to catch up with family and friends.

A spokesman for The Farmer's Arms said: "After a gigantic push on our renovation programme, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new café which opened to the public on December 8. Open every week.

"Our café transforms the old Lounge Bar into a cosy space to catch up with family and friends or just to soak up the atmosphere.

"We’ve got a selection of home-baked cake from our kitchen (including gluten free and vegan options), soups, sandwiches, great coffee and our own tea blends grown at our sister site, Lawson Park.

"Everything is served on a mix of crockery made in our onsite pottery alongside vintage pieces.

"Bespoke hand crafted elements fill the space, designed and made by artist Karen Guthrie and maker Tom Philipson with support from our ever energetic local and residential volunteers and local maker Pippa Martin.

"We’ve also retained key antiques from the pub’s heyday, carefully refurbishing them to take their rightful places back at the heart of the inn, surrounded by their new friends.

"The Stable Bar is now open Thursday nights from 5pm for live music, quizzes, vinyl nights and more (see our website for full programme), as well as Friday nights for Wood-fired pizza (including Christmas Eve) and all day Saturday.

"The fire is always lit and we have a great selection of local ales from breweries across Cumbria, a great organic house wine, and a selection of independent spirits and soft drinks for both adults and children."