A group of friends are hoping to breathe new life into a Haslingden gastropub by impressing punters with a brand new menu.

Jim Davies, Ben Greenwood and Stephen Sourbutts recently took over The Holden Arms, in Grane Road, Haslingden.

Admiral Taverns, a leading community pub group which owns the pub, say the trio’s vision is to ensure the pub “sits at the heart of the community” and they are hoping to win customers over with their mouth-watering dishes.

Lancashire Telegraph: (L-R) Stephen Sourbutts, Ben Greenwood, John Rostron, Jim Davies(L-R) Stephen Sourbutts, Ben Greenwood, John Rostron, Jim Davies

The life-long friends, who already own the nearby Green Squirrel in Manchester Road, said they knew they had to have the pub as soon as it went on the market.

Jim said: “When we saw the Holden Arms had become available we knew we wanted to take over. We all have a bit of history there.

“Stephen used to work there as a pot washer, Ben lives near the pub and it used to be my local for a long time.”

Jim said they are trying to boost the pub’s popularity and restore it to the community pub they remember – but they will need the help of chef John ‘minty’ Rostron.

Lancashire Telegraph: A Sunday roast at The Holden ArmsA Sunday roast at The Holden Arms

Jim said: “It was a good pub in the past but it’s had a bit of a lull in popularity.

“We really want to try and raise the standard of food and hopefully get the customers back in again.

“We have updated the menu and are now serving traditional pub grub. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally and we use produce from our local butcher, J.M Harris.”

There’s something for everyone on the new menu, which now includes black pudding croquettes, homemade pepper steak pie, berry cheesecake, vegan stir fry, sausage and mash, slow roasted ribs and more.

Lancashire Telegraph: Berry cheesecake at The Holden ArmsBerry cheesecake at The Holden Arms

Another popular dish is their Sunday roast, served with lashings of gravy and a massive Yorkshire pudding.

Since updating their menu, the positive customer reviews have already been pouring in.

Rachel Horkin said: “We had a lovely lunch here today. The food was fresh and really tasty and the staff were very friendly. We'll be back!”

“Amazing food and fab value for money,” said Laura McCabe. “Definitely recommend the camembert and the chicken parma.

“Can't wait to try the rest of the menu.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Fancy a burger from The Holden Arms new menu?Fancy a burger from The Holden Arms new menu?

Another said: “I haven’t been to the Holden Arms in a while – but I recently went with the family for some dinner as it local to us and also under new management.

“The food and atmosphere was lovely, the bar staff were also very polite and happy to help. I recommend the ultimate burger as it is great value.”

As well as a menu change, the site’s kitchen has recently been refurbished and some improvements have been made to the beer garden too.

“If you haven’t been to the pub since we have taken over, come back and give us a try,” said Jim. “We are trying to turn it back into a proper community pub with really great food.”

Greg Beresford, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, said: “Jim, Ben and Stephen not only bring a wealth of experience to the pub, but impressive local knowledge. 

“Their vision for The Holden Arms to ensure it sits at the heart of the community aligns with our plans and it’s a privilege to have them on board. I wish them every success for the future and would recommend anyone in the area to pay them a visit.”