ENJOYING live entertainment and a night out with friends is a pastime that we may have taken for granted before the coronavirus pandemic.

So as restrictions are being released, it should be something that we can all get back to doing.

We have spoken to Martin Ryder live entertainment manager and Barry Tyson about one venue offering this for our Pub of the Week feature.

Name of the pub

Number 39 Hopstar Brewery Tap

Address of the pub:

39 - 41 Bridge St, Darwen BB3 2AA

Landlord/landlady name:

Barry Tyson

Bar staff and their names:

Helen, Cat, and Esmé

Give us some history about the pub

At the beginning we thought it would be good to put a cask ale on and have a band now and then. We now have five hand pumps and a full menu of bands and artist every month. Previously a Thai restaurant

Is there a beer garden?

Yes

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams?

Pre Covid yes we had darts team but no longer.

Most popular drink served is:

Hopstar Brewerys Lancashire Gold.

Most memorable moment at the pub?

Jake Berry visiting and getting Hopstar Brewery’s Spitfire ale on in the House of Commons bar.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

We have more eclectic original artists/bands on Thursday nights and covers bands on Saturday nights. Last Thursday of the month we have our popular open mic night and the last Saturday of the month we champion local DJs.

Have you faced any challenges within the industry?

Every day is a challenge one way or another. Covid obviously had a negative impact but the tax on beers , wines and spirits is an ongoing financial impact on the hospitality industry especially small independent bars like ours.

The best thing about running a pub is?

Opening time, and seeing our friends enjoying themselves with great ale and good music. Giving people a place to socialise , making new friends and seeing smiles on faces.

The worst thing about running a pub is?

The hours are long, a lot of work goes into it outside of trading hours, line cleaning, restocking, cleaning and general maintenance. It’s rewarding but tiring nonetheless.

The perfect hangover cure is?

For me it’s a Bloody Mary but the best way is not to get too drunk in the first place.