Groups & Celebrations
Bringing people together in Carlisle
Planning drinks with friends, a birthday, a get-together or simply gathering your favourite people in one place?
You're very welcome at Crown Lane Cellar.
We've learned that the Cellar works best when it is allowed to be exactly what it is: a relaxed, atmospheric place where people arrive, find their favourite corner, order a drink and make themselves at home.
For that reason, we no longer routinely reserve tables or areas for parties and we don't offer routine private venue hire.
Instead, groups are welcome to join us during our normal opening hours on a walk-in basis.
Coming with a group?
There's no complicated booking process.
Come along, choose from the available spaces when you arrive and enjoy the Cellar together.
Our collection of rooms, corners and spaces means groups often naturally find somewhere that suits them. If you're coming with a larger group, we recommend arriving earlier, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, to give yourselves the best choice.
While we'll always do what we reasonably can to help, seating and particular areas cannot be guaranteed or held in advance.
No booking. No hire package. Just come in.
Sometimes the simplest nights are the best ones.
Whether it's birthday drinks, an anniversary, colleagues getting together after work or friends who haven't seen each other for far too long, you don't need to turn it into a formal event.
Come down to the Cellar and enjoy yourselves.
Celebrating something?
Absolutely.
Birthdays, anniversaries, leaving drinks, reunions and other celebrations are all welcome.
You are welcome to bring your group into Crown Lane Cellar just as you would on any other visit. Our team can concentrate on what we do best — looking after the bar, serving great drinks and creating the atmosphere that makes the Cellar special.
For larger groups, arriving earlier in the evening is recommended.
Looking for private venue hire in Carlisle?
Crown Lane Cellar previously offered private parties, reserved areas and general private venue hire.
We've decided to do things a little differently.
We no longer routinely offer exclusive private hire, reserved rooms or reserved areas for private parties.
Instead, we've chosen to concentrate on being a great bar and creating our own programme of events and experiences.
If you're simply looking for somewhere memorable to bring people together in Carlisle, you're still very welcome — just come and join us.
Events & experiences
There's another way to experience Crown Lane Cellar as a group.
Throughout the year we host an evolving programme of events, entertainment and experiences — from live entertainment and social evenings to unusual one-off events created especially for the Cellar.
If you're looking for something more than drinks together, have a look at What's On and see what we're doing next.
What about business, community or creative events?
We're always interested in a genuinely good idea.
Although we've moved away from routine private hire, we may occasionally consider commercial collaborations, creative projects, community initiatives, launches or unusual event proposals that are particularly well suited to Crown Lane Cellar.
These are considered individually rather than as conventional venue-hire bookings.
If you've got an idea that you think belongs in the Cellar, you're welcome to tell us about it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reserve a table?
We primarily operate on a walk-in basis and don't routinely reserve individual tables or areas. Come along and choose from the available seating when you arrive.
Can I bring a group?
Yes. Groups are very welcome. For larger groups, we recommend arriving earlier, particularly at busy times, so you have the best choice of available space.
Can I have my birthday at Crown Lane Cellar?
Of course. You don't need a formal party package to celebrate with us. Bring your friends, find a spot and enjoy your evening.
Can I reserve a room or area?
We don't routinely hold particular rooms, tables or areas for private groups. This allows us to keep the Cellar relaxed and available to everyone throughout the evening.
Can I privately hire Crown Lane Cellar?
We no longer offer general private venue hire or exclusive hire as a standard service.
We may occasionally consider distinctive commercial, creative or community collaborations that are especially well suited to Crown Lane Cellar. These are considered individually.
We're a large group. Should we contact you first?
You're welcome to let us know that you're thinking of visiting, particularly if you're bringing a particularly large group.
However, contacting us does not constitute a reservation and we cannot guarantee particular tables or areas.
Come as you are. Bring your people.
No packages. No complicated planning.
Just drinks, atmosphere and one of Carlisle's most unusual little hideaways.