A BLACKBURN pub will be representing Lancashire in the National Pub And Bar Awards in London next month.

The Butlers Arms in Pleasington was picked as one of the best venues in the county and it is now up against another 93 pubs from across the country.

Owner Mike Hales was delighted with the news and said it came after a lot of hard work over the past two and a half years.

He said: “It has been a several-step process where you get mystery shoppers to get to this stage.

“It is phenomenal that we have been picked to be one of the best in the country.

“A lot of money and effort has gone in to get to this stage.

“It is like the Oscars of the hospitality sector and they come to ask questions then you get through to the final.

“We are feeling all the pressure but we are excited about getting to this stage.”

It has been a busy time for Mike and the staff as they were also in the semi-final of the British Industry of Innkeepers award.

Mike also runs the Top Lock at Chorley and the Railway at Bromley Cross.

He said: “I specialise in reviving pubs that have been closed in the community.

“We have managed to do that with the Railway and tried to get a good customer base."

Mike said there were also plans to improve the Top Lock. He said: “The Top Lock is doing great and we are looking to get some plans together to refurbish it at the back end of the year.

“One of the exciting things would be an extension of the rooftop garden and to make it a great destination for everybody.”

Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub and Bar magazine, which hosts the event, said: “Selecting this year’s 94 county winners has been nothing short of inspiring.

“It’s a privilege to help these businesses get the recognition they deserve.”