Pub to return to listed railway waiting room

In the 1960s, the space at Carlisle station was used as a refreshment room for first class passengers

A pub is due to return to the former first class waiting room of a city's railway station.

The Grade II listed room at Carlisle station was recorded as hosting Queen Victoria on a number of occasions.

It is currently used as a storage room and kitchen, but had been used as a pub in recent years.

Network Rail confirmed work would start next month to refurbish the space, including creating a mezzanine level.

The waiting room, which is on platform four, was built by architect William Tite in 1880 as an extension to his original 1847 neo-Tudor station designs.

It retains the character of the time, including prominent original fireplaces.

Queen Victoria was recorded to have used the waiting room

The work is part of the Carlisle Gateway project - a £27m government-funded plan to redevelop the station into a transport hub.

Court Square will be pedestrianised and Lawson's Monument will be moved as part of the scheme.