Punters eagerly awaiting to get back inside their favourite boozer will have to wait slightly longer after its renovation project was hit by delays.

The Observatory, a landmark pub located on Old Bank Lane, Blackburn, was originally due to open on Monday (August 1) following a £500,000 investment.

However landlords, Mark Fish and Tom Croft, have been forced to push back their re-opening due to unforeseen circumstances which have cropped-up during the renovation process.

A statement from the pair reads: “Despite the best efforts of all involved, our hopes to reopen on Monday August 1 are no longer realistic. 

“Whilst we cannot wait to open the doors and welcome you all back to your new look Observatory, unforeseen circumstances have meant the project will take slightly longer than originally anticipated.

“The delay will only be by a matter of days and we will now reopen on Thursday August 4.

“We would like to thank you for your continued support and understanding and we look forward to seeing you all next week.”

A new menu, a refreshed sports viewing area and improved outdoor area with its own bar, are just some of the changes awaiting punters following the relaunch.

The Thwaites Brewery pub is also set to have an interactive darts experience said to be the first of its kind in Blackburn.

Earlier this month Tom and Mark said: “Over recent months an opportunity has arisen for us to invest jointly alongside Daniel Thwaites in a project that will see work carried out on the beer garden, in the kitchen and throughout the venue.

“As part of this commitment, we have signed a 10-year agreement to remain at The Observatory.

“We can now confirm after discussions with the brewery, designers and contractors, that work is due to commence on Monday, June 27, lasting a period of approximately five weeks.

“Due to the extensive nature of this project, we will unfortunately have to remain closed throughout this period and as such, to get the venue ready for this refurbishment, our final day of trading before the works commence will be Friday, June 24, with a planned re-opening date of Monday, August 1.

“We thank you all for your continued support and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we cannot wait to welcome you all back to your new look Observatory once the works have been completed.”