Blackburn man to take over The Old Function Room in Darwen

Andrew Livesey is set to take over The Old Function Room in Darwen in September or the start of October.

The 46-year-old is taking over from the currently landlady Maxine Walsh, who is leaving to take over The Big House Blues Bar in Darwen.

Andrew, who already leases the Greenfield Inn in Darwen, said he cannot wait to get started.

Andrew Livesey is set to take over The Old Function Room in Darwen in September or the start of October (Image: Andrew Livesey)

He said: “As I already lease the Greenfield that is up the road, I thought this pub would work well alongside it.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to expand my business.

“I can’t wait to get started. It is weeks away but plans are already being put in motion so we can hit the ground running.

“We also want to reassure customers that nothing will change at The Greenfield and I will be operating both premises.”

Andrew, who has worked in the hospitality industry for 25 years, said everything at the pub will be kept the same but he plans to introduce cask ales and a wider variety of beers to the pub.

He said: “We hope the pub continues to flourish. It currently has quiz nights and live music, we are hoping to build on top of the business and not take anything away.

“I plan to serve local cask ales alongside some new beers that will be introduced to the bar.”

Andrew hopes customers, old and new, will continue to support the pub after he takes over.

“Everyone is looking forward to what we bring to the table and put on offer,” he said.

“We hope regulars will keep coming to us and also want to attract new customers.

“I look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”

Gareth Mayoh, who owns The Old Function Room and is preparing to lease the pub to Andrew, said: “Maxine is leaving the pub in September.

"I was approached by a number of people who wanted to take over and I have agreed a new five year lease with Andrew Livesey, landlord of Greenfield Inn.

“He has big plans and wants to introduce some new things.

“I think he is looking forward to having a bigger space for live bands and possibly introducing food too.

“It is going to be exciting. It is my local too so I want to see it do well and continue to be a nice place to come for a drink.”

Barrmade, a company run by Maxine Walsh while she ran the pub, went into liquidation earlier this year, with an estimated £400,000 owed to creditors including HM Revenue and Customs in VAT and corporation tax, the brewery Carlsberg Marston's, NatWest bank, and energy firm SSE.