AN EMPTY pub has been transformed into a gastro eaterie with a £250,000 refurbishment.

The Plough in Oswaldtwistle was purchased by local businessmen and regulars of the pub at the end of April this year.

The new pub has created 17 new jobs already, plus there are future plans in the pipeline to extend with a dedicated restaurant above the pub.

Manager and investor Andrew Newbitt said he and fellow owners Mich-ael Rogan, Stuart Rogan, Dave Rogan and Brian Gadd all decided to become publicans over a few pints at the Plough one evening.

The former export sales manager said: “We heard it was closing and we couldn’t think of anywhere else we wanted to be our local.

“We said that if we could get it for the right price, we had to buy it. We just didn’t want to see it turned into houses.

“It looks totally different now, it was very traditional and is much more contemporary now.

"We are hoping to get more couples in, which is how it used to be.”

Oswaldtwistle interior decorator Danielle Longworth who has done interiors for Roman Abramovich and Christies hospital, has redesigned the look of the pub with leather couches, ambient lighting, a new sound system and an extended bar.

A restaurant-style kitchen has also been fitted to offer an upscale food menu created by chef Lee Hyatt.

Lee had previously been head chef in the award-winning Underscar Manor, a three-rosette restaurant in the Lake District where he even created and prepared a menu for the Queen.

For the pub’s new menu he is expected to provide a British modern theme with local produce.

The new Plough has also seen a new beer garden created, plus all-new CCTV security system.

Changes to the drinks menu will see the pub offering an extensive wine list as well as upmarket coffees and tea selections.

A pre-launch party with special guest Brett Ormerod, the Accrington-born Blackpool FC footballer, raised £515 for charity.

The new Plough officially opened its doors at the weekend.