A well-known Keswick institution, The Twa Dogs pub on Penrith Road, is now hopefully back on the up after a period of uncertainty and change.
As of Monday November 28, the pub is now being run by Skiddaw Property Management, a business set up just over a year ago to support those in the tourism and hospitality sector in the local area.
Justin Farnan, a local resident and founder of the business is also a director on the board of the Keswick Tourism Association.
He will be managing the Twa Dogs along with Wúlf Davison. Mr Davison moved to Keswick a year ago and has already become a popular and well-known figure in the town having worked in The Pocket bar.
Mr Farnan, who has also worked at the Calvert Trust as a senior manager and has been on the board of Cumbria Tourism, said: “Very soon after launching Skiddaw Property Management, I was looking for a hospitality business in the town to add to the small number of holiday lets we manage and had a few conversations with premises owners through this year.
“At the end of October, I was contacted by Marston’s and asked if we were interested in the Twa Dogs. Things then moved very quickly and we agreed to take on the pub as part of their retail scheme. As a simple explanation this is part way between a tenancy and direct management, with the ownership of the property remaining with Marston’s.”
Mr Davison and Mr Farnan are planning to run the business in a hands-on way – being visible around the site and behind the bar – while still keeping their holiday let business running.
Although aware of the pub’s recent history, they think there’s a real opportunity to rejuvenate the Twa Dogs.
Wúlf said: “We already have a loyal band of regular locals, but we are looking to get more residents of the town back into the pub, plus some of the many visitors to Keswick.
“Everyone we have spoken to thinks it’s a great opportunity and that with hard work and focus we can make it a real community hub again.”
While there are longer-term plans, the pair are looking to make the most of the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, starting with popular local singer Graham Bell doing a set from 8pm on Saturday.
Justin said: “Graham has been a popular figure on the Keswick music scene for a number of years and we are delighted he can make what we consider our ‘opening night’. We’d love to welcome as many past, present and future customers to come and celebrate with us.”
The Twa Dogs is open from noon until 11pm seven days a week and serves food from Thursday to Sunday. The premises will also be open on Christmas Day for drinks only between 11am and 4pm.
