MEET the new landlords of a pub and hotel who took on the reins to ensure their local tavern remained open.

Husband and wife Dave and Julie Noonan are the newest tenants of The Clarke’s Hotel in Rampside.

Their appointment follows the departure of Lakeland Inns, the previous landlords of the site, who went into liquidation earlier this year.

The group formerly ran the Black Cock in Broughton, Clarke's Hotel in Rampside, The Commodore Inn in Grange, The Sun Inn in Ulverston, and the Royal Oak in Curthwaite.

READ MORE: Lakeland Inns Group with five Cumbrian pubs enters liquidation

Prior to this, Clarke’s was run by long-serving landlord Thomas Twigge who decided to step back from the hotel in 2021.

Mr Twigge had been running the pub for 23 years and bought out his partner in 2008 just before the financial crisis hit.

Dave and Julie decided to take on the reins in February and are enjoying life as the pub’s new landlords.

The pair previously ran The Concle Inn in Rampside back in the late-1990s which they ran for six years before the pub was bought by the current owners.

“We walked out of there and said never again,” said Dave.

“It’s quite ironic we ended up taking over another pub down the road 20 years later.

“We didn’t want to see Clarke’s go downhill and disappear like so many other places do.

“So after long deliberation and sleepless night, Julie and I decided to take it on.”

Since Julie and Dave have taken over, the hotel’s bedrooms have been refurbished and a new menu has been unveiled.

READ MORE: Landlord of The Clarkes Hotel in Rampside says emotional goodbye

“We’re trying to appeal to BAE contractors and tourists who may want to stay here,” Dave said.

“It’s hard work but we’re getting there. The place revolves around the bedrooms, they have to be sold so we can cover the high overheads.

“People are really happy for it not to be closed. When the sun shines, business is really good but often that’s the nature of hospitality!”

This month, the pub is hosting a family fun day to help support local businesses in the area.

General manager, Rachel Stobbart, said: “Looking at the damage Covid did with hospitality, we wanted to do a day which would help us all.

“We contacted some local businesses to see if they could come down to run some stalls so we can support each other.”

Bouncy castles, a BBQ, facepainting, ice cream, stalls and much more will be present at the event which is taking place on Saturday July 29 at 11am until 5pm.