Last updated at 21:30, Thursday, 14 June 2012

Maryport publican George Kemp has bought a second pub, right across the road from his first one.

Mr Kemp and wife Andrea have bought the Middle Tap on Shipping Brow.

The pub has been closed for about 12 months. Previous publican Dennis Lynch had tried unsuccessfully to get planning permission to convert the building to flats.

Mr Kemp, who owns the Lifeboat opposite, said: “This is just going to be a pub where people can come for a drink. There will be no meals.

“It will attract different customers to the Lifeboat. We would like to start up some pub teams here – maybe football, darts and so on.”

Before he sold to Mr Kemp, Mr Lynch successfully challenged the previous withdrawal of his live entertainment licence. Mr Kemp said that he might put on entertainment during the town’s blues festival but did not intend other live music.

He has retired from his job as a horticultural teacher at Lakes College to devote his time to the pubs.

First published at 19:24, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk