It has been a tough few years for pub and bars across the UK, as the cost of living crisis rages on.
Several pubs in Lancashire were forced to close their doors.
While we wave goodbye to some, other entrepreneurs have decided to open a bar of their own
Here are the pubs and bars that closed in 2023 - and also a look at some which opened across East Lancashire
Pubs and bars that closed in East Lancashire in 2023
- The British Queen, Darwen
The pub, as we know it, may never reopen.
Thwaites, the brewery in charge of the pub, say due to rising costs they are currently reviewing the viability of the pub and exploring alternative uses for it.
A spokesperson for Thwaites hopes the pub will remain an important part of the community “albeit in a different form”.
2. The Cross Gaits, Blacko
The former landlords, who were been in charge for three years, Adam Marshall and Peter Godwin, say they were “very sad” to announce the pub’s closure and say the brewery has taken the decision to sell the premises.
Earlier this year, plans were submitted to turn the grade II listed pub into a three bedroom house.
John Kay applied to change the existing grade II listed Cross Gaits pub in Blacko into a house and then erect a second four-bedroom property on the existing carpark.
These plans were refused in October.
3. Dog and Partridge, Chipping
A planning application was submitted to Ribble Valley Council to convert Hesketh Lane pub, after it sat vacant for five years.
Developers will now be able to make it a holiday destination while also providing housing.
4. Jolly Sailor, Waterfoot
This Booth Road pub closed in February, 2023, after it was reportedly losing £2,000 each month.
Later in the year, a planning application was submitted to turn the pub into flats.
In a document submitted to the council by Helen Rawstron, plans have been submitted to turn the pub into four one bedroom flats.
The application states The Jolly Sailor is not a viable commercial business, haemorrhaging thousands of pounds each month.
Bars that opened in East Lancashire in 2023
1. Tiki Taps, Darwen
It reopened in August and also returned to the management of management company Darwen Bars and Leisure, which is owned by Sarah and Gary Perkins.
It is now a tiki bar, which is a style of bar known for its rum-based cocktails and tropical aesthetic.
2. Prohibition Bar and Eatery, Bacup
This 1920s inspired cocktail and wine bar opened in July.
Prohibition opened on St James Square in Bacup this spring and took over the closed Old Boot Café and Wine Bar
Michael Stewart, 44, says he wanted to bring something new to the town.
He said: “I have gone with a 1920s theme, reminiscent of The Great Gatsby. It’s going to be dark but elegant inside.”
3. Giardino Segreto, Whalley
The wine bar is also looking to hire mixologists and bar staff to serve a range of drinks.
It serves a range of Italian cocktails such as Negroni, Bellini, Aperitivo Ritual, and Paloma Italiana.
The bar has also been generating a presence on Instagram, with more details about the menu and how to find the premises.
It is now a tiki bar, which is a style of bar known for its rum-based cocktails and tropical aesthetic.
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