A NEW eaterie is set to open in East Lancashire tonight - after the demise of a cocktail bar venture.

Botanicals Barrowford is replacing The Lounge in Barrowford after a significant refit was completed.

Bosses have booked saxophonist Simon Levi, a favourite from the main stage at this year’s Barrowford Festival, as their opening act, from 6pm.

Fine dining, with a natural twist, is the venue's focus, as well as botanical infused drinks, after a recruitment drive for the new look.

Cllr Linda Crossley, who represents Barrowford ward on Pendle Council, said: "If this is somewhere that is now concentrating on the dining side, rather than the drinking side, then that would be welcome, especially since the loss of Zio's."

Villagers had previously fought a late opening bid for The Lounge, before it closed.

The owners had complained that Barrowford, longer considered a favourite for an older and more discerning clientele, was losing late-night custom to rivals in Burnley and Colne. The wine bar Turners moved from Barrowford to Colne in 2017.

An application had been made to trade until 2am on Saturdays by The Lounge but this was knocked back by Pendle Council following objections about disturbances.

One of the neighbours complained that she could not hear her TV over the noise from the bar.

Administrators were called in for The Lounge last month, after two-and-a-half years of trading. One of the same directors, Gareth Bradshaw, incorporated Botanicals Barrowford in August, ahead of the relaunch.