A popular Mexican restaurant in Carlisle is set to permanently close its doors after three years.

El Escapar Mexicana on Lonsdale Street in Carlisle was originally set up by Jamie Harris, with the help of The Briyard’s Andy Bartlett, in October 2018.

The restaurant took to Facebook to announce the sad news, saying the decision “hasn’t come lightly”.

Hanging up his sombero is El Escabar Mexicana owner, Jamie Harris. He said: “The last few years have been hard for businesses and I just fancied a little bit of time away from the stress of it.”

On his next move, Jamie said he will be “fading into the background for a couple of years” before seeing how he feels.

He added: “It was very tressful, but very enjoyable as well. The customers were great. I just had to weigh it up in the end and I didn’t think it was worth the stress of it in the long-term.”

Looking back on some of his fondest memories of the restaurant, Jamie recalled the restaurant’s first day.

“I was very surprised by the opening day.

“You’re a bit intimidated by it if you’ve never done it before, but the reception was really good.

“A lot of businesses surrounding us came by and left a nice review and introduced themselves.

The post announcing the restaurant’s closure continued: “After a tricky few years I’ve decided to permanently close El Escapar.

“I’d like to thank all customers and staff who have made El Escapar a thing over the last 3 years.”

Finally, in its announcement, the restaurant gave a final mention to “similar small businesses still offering some amazing fresh food options in Carlisle”, including “The Good Sister, comfort food street eats, Romano Pizzeria, Gyropolis, Inbread carlisle, Alex’s pasta bar, pie demand, Stonehouse smokery”.