A Whitehaven pub has been put up for sale and any new owner may be looking to find a new use for it.

Owner Punch Taverns have put the freehold of Barra Jacks in James Street on the market.

It tried to lease the pub as a going concern, without success, leading it to put the building up for sale.

A spokeswoman for the group, which is based in Burton upon Trent, said: "The opportunity to lease Barra Jacks in Whitehaven has been marketed on our website for a significant period of time.

"Taking all things into account, a commercial decision has been taken to market the freehold of the property for sale."

Estate agent documents from Mere Commercial, based in Penrith, specify that the pub "is not being sold as a going concern" and pointed out that it could have alternative uses.

These state: "Barra Jacks is a traditional wet trade pub with two bars, a good sized enclosed outside seating area and four bedroom owner’s accommodation.

"It has potential to develop as a licensed business or for a range of alternative uses, subject to planning."

In addition, Mere says: "The vendor is not including any items of furniture; equipment, trade fixtures and fittings. Any that are left post completion are not warranted for their suitability, safety or ownership."

Three years ago Barra Jacks was the scene of a dramatic explosion which saw flames shoot up the walls of the pub. The blast, caused by an underground joining station, which had overheated, also resulted in a power cut to 177 nearby properties and businesses.

It reported "business as usual" after the event.

In 2015, then landlady Kathryn Atkinson was sentenced to 50 hours of unpaid work after she admitted drugs charges.

During her appearance at Carlisle Crown Court her lawyer said there had been financial problems at the pub and that she did not intend to renew the lease, which was due at the end of the year.

The spokeswoman added that anyone interested in the bar could contact the company's disposals team on 01283 502060. Mere Commercial can be reached on 01768 483498.