Former ‘run-down, metal-shuttered eyesore’ bar named best in Hyndburn

Justin Grant, the owner of Grants Bar in Manchester Road, has spoken of his delight after being awarded the Hyndburn Pub of the Award gong from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The 40-year-old said: “It’s an accumulation of six years’ hard work and a thank you from other people, which makes us feel appreciated.”

The bar was recently praised by real ale expert Mark Briggs, who described it as ‘a local business, that in five years, has gone from a closed, run-down, metal-shuttered eyesore to one of the most thriving and burgeoning establishments in the locality’.

He said: “It’s a transformation that is hard to believe, to be quite candid. Grants Bar is simply a perfect retreat to relax, unwind and have a natter with its friendly, wide age ranged clientele.”

Justin also made headlines in 2013 when he revealed plans to launch his own micro-brewery, the Big Clock brewery, the same year — the first in almost 10 years since the closure of Picks micro-brewery in Willows Lane in 2004.

It celebrated its one year anniversary on Saturday.

He said: “When we first opened Grants Bar we started with just one beer pump as a token gesture.

“Since then the interest has just grown and grown and we have put more beers on each year. We now have more than any other pub in Accrington and it’s a massive part of our business.

“Local breweries are also vital for the pub trade.”

After CAMRA members handed him his certificate, Justin showed them around the enterprise, housed in the back rooms of the 200-year-old pub, where patrons can see the ale brewing while they enjoy a drink.

Former chairman John Webster, who stepped down at a recent branch meeting, attended the presentation.

He said: “The pub had been shut for a while and boarded up, but Justin came and took a very big risk and bought it.

He started with two or three ales but now has eight, and a real cider as well. He had turned the pub around into a cracking, very warm pub.”