Darwen pub renovated and re-opened (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Darwen pub renovated and re-opened
5:06pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News
CHEERS At the newly-refurbished Anchor Inn are (front) landlady Melissa Montgomery and Darwen Town Council mayor Coun Eileen Entwistle, with (back, from left) Coun Stephanie Brookfield, landlord Lance Montgomery and Coun Pete Hollings.
DARRENER Melissa Montgomery’s dream came true yesterday when she opened her first pub.
The 29-year-old has worked in pubs for 13 years, but finally realised her ambition of running her own when The Anchor in Blackburn Road reopened.
The pub had been closed for three weeks since previous landlady Julie Slater moved out.
But after an extensive renovation, it is now back up and running.
Mel, who will run the pub with husband Lance, 35, said: “It feels amazing to have my own pub, but scary as well.
“I’m just coming down to reality now. I have been in a bit of a dream world. I am so excited.”
Melissa started working at the Bear Hotel in Cravens Brow when she was 16 and studying at Blackburn College.
After that she worked at The George in Blackburn Road, spent nine years as steward at Hollins Grove Conservative Club and had spent a year at The Engineers.
The pub has been renovated with new upholstery, carpets, furniture and curtains.
