£170,000 Investment to Transform Historic Longridge Pub

A major refurbishment has been confirmed that will revitalise an historic pub in the middle of Longridge.

The £170,000 investment at the Towneley Arms Hotel on Berry Lane is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and new licensees Lancashire-based pub company Blind Tiger Inns, which has other pubs across the county. It will transform the tired local into a top quality pub that caters for the whole community and specialises in sport and entertainment.

The Towneley Arms closes for the revamp after last orders on 13th August and will reopen in early September, creating 10 new jobs.

The top to toe overhaul will carefully renovate and repaint the outside of the iconic pub – which dates back to the mid 1800s – bringing out the character of the building and enhancing the town centre. New signage, lighting and floral displays, as well as café style seating where customers can watch the world go by, will complete the improvements. A stunning garden will be developed at the rear with a colourful mural, swinging benches and new furniture. Covered seating will enable the space to be enjoyed year-round, whatever the weather.

Whilst the Towneley Arms will remain a traditional local, a dramatic internal makeover will upgrade it thoughout with a stylish contemporary décor. The new look will incorporate booth seating, timber flooring, designer lighting and eye-catching wall art. The layout will cater for multiple occasions and groups of customers. It will feature: a cosy snug; a comfortable lounge; a traditional bar area, and a games room fitted out with a new pool table, darts throws and big screens. The pub will show all sports and major tournaments and will have Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon, in addition to pay-per-view channels.

Other changes include refurbished toilets and the installation of state-of-the art dispense equipment in the cellar to ensure consistently perfect pints. The Towneley Arms will offer a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks from premium brands to trusted favourites at all price points.

Chris Tulloch, managing director of Blind Tiger Inns, says the aim is to turn the Towneley Arms into “a hub of the community”. To that end it will host a range of activities to bring residents together, from quizzes to live acts and fundraisers in support of charities nominated by regulars. The pub will also provide meeting space for local organisations and good causes and, with its emphasis on sport, set up teams for darts, pool and other sports.

Adds Chris: “The Towneley Arms is beautiful old building and a part of Longridge history. We want to restore it to its former glory as thriving pub that contributes to local life and the town’s great range of independent shops and businesses. We’re replacing everything, it will be likely a completely different pub inside.”

Comments Star Pubs & Bars’ investment manager Andy Bowden: “We’re delighted to be investing to bring such a prominent pub back to life. Chris’ plans for the Towneley Arms are exciting and will give residents a really premium pub with something for everyone. It will look fantastic when it’s finished, and should really add to all Longridge has to offer.”

*Built adjacent to Longridge Station, the pub was originally believed to have been called the Longridge Railway Tavern. It then became the Station Hotel before being renamed the Towneley Arms Hotel in the early 1850s.