AN Oswaldtwistle man is set to transform a former furniture store into a cocktail bar in Darwen.

Mark Eggar, 40, who has been in the bar trade for 20 years, has applied for a premises licence to turn Darwen Emporium into ‘H2O Bar’.

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This would be the second bar Mr Eggar runs with an establishment on Blackburn Road in Accrington with the same name.

If the licence is granted then the bar could accommodate up to 200 people on two levels with a cocktail lounge on the top floor.

Mr Eggar said he wanted to create something different with his second bar.

He said: “I wanted to make somewhere that people could go to and sit down in a quiet relaxing place and have a cocktail and enjoy themselves.

“There won’t be a dance floor, but it will be a great place to unwind and get away from stress.

“Darwen is a great place to be at the moment, there’s already some great bars, pubs and clubs in the area and I really want to be a part of it.

“Lots of big companies have over looked it but it’s a lovely little town and a great place to set up a bar like this.

“I want to make a real effort with the bar and show everyone its sophisticated, and the main aim is I want everyone to know they can have a good night here.”

Pete Hollings, Sunnyhurst ward councillor, said he was looking forward to the arrival of a new bar.

He said: “I think it will be great for the town and it will add to a very positive nightlife in Darwen.

“I’ve heard great things about it and it sounds as if its going to be a very niche bar with a cocktail lounge upstairs.

“It’s positive to see small businesses coming here.”