THE first micropub in Blackburn town centre will open up today.

The Drummer’s Arms in King William Street has been launched by husband and wife team James and Katy Quayle from Darwen.

The pair currently run Q-ale, a business hiring pop-up bars for events and festivals, and help fit out micropubs, an increasingly popular phenomenon of one-room pubs that focus on real ales and shun electronic entertainment.

It was while running a bar at a town centre event that Mr Quayle, who previously ran a homebrew shop in Darwen, spotted his new premises in King William Street.

He said: “I said to myself that would make a great micropub and nearly 12 months later here we are. With some larger pubs and bars you go in they all have the same generic beers on offer but with a micropub you have more choice and we’re more flexible about what we can sell.”

Beer fans will be able to enjoy local offerings from Darwen breweries, Three B’s Brewery and Hopstar, alongside an ever-changing variety of guest ales from around the country, as well as boutique gins and whiskies.

Also on sale will be pies made by Lancashire butchers Dales, fairtrade coffee and speciality teas.

Even music will have a local element, with the jukebox stocked with CDs from local unsigned bands.

Sunday afternoons will see local musicians invited to take part in an open mic session and live music is planned for another night in the week.

Mr Quayle said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming customers to enjoy the quality products.”