A popular tap room owned by a local brewery has closed its doors with immediate effect.

The Northern Whisper Colne Tap Room on Church Street, Colne, closed to customers yesterday, posting a statement on their social media pages.

The pub was owned and operated by the Northern Whisper Brewing Company which has other sites on Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall, and Market Place, Ramsbottom, as well as a brewery located in Rossendale.

The Colne tap room opened in 2019 and was located in the former NatWest bank in Church Street.

A number of people have spoken of how much of a surprise the news was and that they were disappointed to see the venue close.

A statement from the Colne pub said: "We regret to inform you that we have made the decision to close the doors on the Northern Whisper Colne Tap Room with immediate effect.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the customers and regulars who have supported us over the past couple of years."

The pub has assured punters that the closure will not impact the brewery or the other pubs in Rawtenstall and Ramsbottom.

The Northern Whisper Brewery was founded in 2017 by Carmelo Pillitteri and brothers, Josh and Barney Vines.

Carmelo previously brewed for the Fighting Cocks brewery but decided to take on the venture with Josh and Barney, setting up the brewery in Rossendale.