The Tavern, Whitehaven

I had the misfortune to visit this recently refurbished pub. While bar staff were OK as were the drinks prices. I found the place very threatening - we were sitting upstairs having a quiet drink, where we were accosted by a group of local yobs, who were either very drunk or even worse on something. Security in the venue refused to remove them initially, despite other customers as well as us were complaining as 'there are only 2 of us, and 8 of them, and if we can't get them down the stairs, cos if they fall, they'll sue us'. The yobs behaviour was racist, aggressive and quite frankly odd. Its many years since I felt my personal space so invaded, and felt so helpless to do anything about it, so we ended up having to leave, with no apology or comment from the bar staff, unless we chose to call the police, which in a small town mentality, is the wrong thing to do. Surely management of any establishment should seek to provide drinks in a safe and friendly environment - this one doesn't and I for one will never visit it again.