PENNY BLUE
We are always asked – why Penny Blue? The Penny Blue stamp is the worlds second ever pre paid postage stamp, released in 1840. The print run was ten times smaller than the famous Penny Black, making the two pence blue far rarer.
Co-incidentally, while researching the stamp we found that Mauritius has it’s own distillery making single estate Penny Blue rum. In 1847 the new Governor of Mauritius, Sir William Gomm wanted to improve the postal system, and had a local engraver produce it’s very own stamps. He produced 500 one penny and 500 two penny stamps (the Penny Blue). Our founder was lucky enough to visit and secure exclusivity for Carlisle. Our unique drinks list of course includes drinks mixed with Penny Blue rum.
THE OLD POST OFFICE
The Halston is housed in Warwick Road’s former General Post Office which opened on 27th February 1916. The site was previously Bartons Yard (which is where the bar/bistro gets its name from) and home to William Barton and his business partner Robert Tweeddale’s horse harness and coach manufacturing business, which also supplied horses for mail coaches during the 1830s-40s.In the early 1900s, construction company Laings won the contract to build the post office. It carved the fluted columns and intricate design of the building’s neoclassical facade with stone from Blaxter quarries in Northumberland. The building was impressive inside and out, with the horseshoe-shaped public counter on the ground floor made from the finest mahogany. The Warwick Road post office served the people of Carlisle for many years until it was closed in 2008.
In 2011 Burge Halston purchased the building with a vision to bring something new and exciting to Carlisle and plans were drawn up for the city’s first ever apart hotel – The Halston.
The Penny Blue building contains original features, and the famous stained glass window from the old Lonsdale cinema which has been restored and can be seen in our more private area.
Read more about the history on The Halston main website.
PLANNING AN
EVENT?
Penny Blue & The Halston building offer private areas hosting from small intimate occasions to large parties, weddings and award ceremonies. Our historic yet contemporary spaces are sure to wow your guests. Ask a member of staff or contact our events team – events@thehalston.com