Open Mind (often shown as Open Mind Creative on socials) is one of those Carlisle spots that feels a bit different from your standard bar. Sitting on English Street, it blends café, bar and social space into something more relaxed and community-led, somewhere you can just as easily sit with a coffee as you can settle in for cocktails later on.

The space itself has a split personality in a good way. Downstairs brings more energy, with music, DJs or live acts, while upstairs is softer and more tucked away, filled with sofas and cosy corners for quieter catch-ups. It’s the kind of place that lets you choose your pace rather than forcing one.

Drinks are a big part of the draw, from creative cocktails and mocktails to beers and gins, and there’s simple, homemade food alongside it all. It’s not about being overly polished, more about a friendly, welcoming atmosphere where people can hang out, chat, play games or just unwind.

Dogs are welcome inside, which fits the whole vibe perfectly, this is very much a “come as you are, bring your dog, stay a while” kind of place 🐾