The brewery in charge of a Blackburn pub is on the hunt for a new tenant, after the previous landlady stepped down.

Danielle Derbyshire, the previous landlady in charge of The Witton Inn in Redlam, took over the pub in November 2022.

She celebrated her last night at the pub on Friday (December 1) and said the decision to step down was “the hardest [she] has ever had to make”.

Stonegate Pub Partners, the brewery in charge of the 300-year-old pub confirmed that the pub will be closed until a new tenant is found.

In a statement Danielle said she is stepping down as landlady in order to focus on her family.

She said: “This has probably been the hardest decision I've ever had to make, but with a heavy heart and really bad anxiety writing this I've decided enough is enough.

“I thought I could juggle pub life and  mum life and the truth is, it's impossible.“I’m doing what's best for me and for my kids.”

Danielle thanked her customers for an “unforgettable year”.

She said: “I've had an amazing year with lots of ups and downs but I've met the most amazing people and I will never ever forget any of you!

“The support I've had and the family I've made is unforgettable but this is the right thing to do. My staff have been the best people I've ever come across and there's a glowing reference waiting here for you all.

“I hope you can all come and celebrate my final night [on December 1] with me and let's drink the bar dry.”

Stonegate said it is currently looking for a new tenant to take charge of the pub.

A spokesperson for Stonegate Pub Partners said: “We are in the process of appointing a new tenant at the Witton Inn as our temporary tenant departs.  We aim to have the pub operational for the local community as soon as possible.”

According to the Stonegate website, the guide rent price per week is £326.

The listing description said: “The Witton Inn offers a fantastic opportunity to an enthusiastic publican, to run a brilliant pub known for its cask ale and live sport.

“The pub is located in Blackburn, on a main A road near to Blackburn Rovers Football Club and variety of local amenities providing plenty of opportunity for passing trade.

“The two internal areas provide a perfect space within to either use the range of seating or even use the pub games such as darts, pool or watch live sports on the multiple TVs they provide.

“The pub boasts a good-sized enclosed patio area to the rear with more seating which has scope to develop further.

“The Witton Inn needs an enthusiastic and driven publican who can introduce a calendar of events to drive footfall and revenue.”