A £250,000 refurbishment has been completed at a Darwen town centre pub.

The Millstone, on the corner of Church Street and Bridge Street, has been given a new colour scheme, furniture and layout.

The Thwaites-owned town centre pub was shut for six weeks while work took place and it will now also serve hot food for the first time.

The establishment was visited by Jake Berry, Darwen’s MP. He said: “I didn’t recognise the place when I walked in, it looks great.

“Thwaites is leading the way as a responsible landlord investing in its pub estate.

“It’s a family business so there’s a real local heritage and it has a long-term commitment to the area.

“The night time economy has grown in Darwen so it’s great to see investment being made in it.”

The pub’s manager, Ian Rogers, said: “People love the new look – I believe it’s the best pub in Darwen.

“The investment has created lots of new interest and lots of new customers.

“They say the atmosphere has changed as well as the look, it’s very chilled and laidback.

“We’re really pleased with it.

“As well as changes to the decoration, we’ve also introduced a food menu which is a great new addition to the pub – it’s just right for people coming in to watch sport or meet up with friends.

“We are, of course, keen to maintain our reputation as the best place in town for live sport.”