Pub at heart of Blackburn Rovers match-day drinking to re-open

The Fox and Hounds in Ewood was boarded-up after Derek and Sue Haworth officially called time on serving pints to thirsty Blackburn Rovers fans in April, amidst slowing trade and an uncertain future due to the coronavirus crisis.

But now, after several months of closure, the Fox and Hounds is set to re-open on September 24 at 5pm (just in time for Rovers' next home game against Cardiff City), with a few familiar faces taking their place behind the bar.

Landlords of The Sun, in Blackburn town centre, Bernie and Phil Price, will be taking hold of the reigns at the Fox and Hounds, but it's their daughter, Laura Hardy-Price's name that will be above the door, as she begins her foray into life as a pub landlady.

Laura said: "It's been a long time coming but I've finally got there - my dream.

"Obviously this would not be happening without my amazing parents who I adore endlessly.

"It's been said by many that I’d make a good landlady and the time has come for me to prove them right.

"We have had an immense positive reaction from all the Blackburn Rovers home fans and the local community - it really is heart warming to receive so much support."

The pub, which is owned by Thwaites, and sits in the shadows of Ewood Park, has been undergoing a major revamp the last couple of months, with both the indoor and outdoor areas being transformed.

Publicans call time on matchday drinking after almost three decades in Ewood's top spot

Laura's mum, Bernie, who has run The Sun with her husband Phil for the last 20 years, will be giving Laura a guiding hand, and said they can't wait for the venue to be back open.

She said: "It's still going to be a sports bar, but we'll be getting live entertainment for a Sunday afternoon.

"When the pub came up for lease, Phil went down to have a look and that was it.

"We've been at The Sun for 20 years, but the Fox and Hounds is a totally different pub to this with different clientele, and we're excited to take it on.

"We've had nothing but positivity from the whole town.

"It's going to be Laura's first venture too and I think she's nervous, but excited and really positive for the future."

Bernie said re-opening the Fox and Hounds fills them with confidence in the industry, as they couldn't let another pub go to the wall due to the effects of the Covid pandemic.

And with the huge outside area being developed for seating, Laura and her parents are looking forward to welcoming people back.

Laura continued: "This is a very welcomed new venture for myself and my parents and if things go well then we will look at possibly starting up in the food industry and making the pub the hub of the community

"Myself, my parents and our new team at the Fox and Hounds can’t wait for a long future here doing what we love and do best."

The Fox and Hounds will re-open at 5pm on Friday September 24.

For more information, visit @foxandhoundsewood on Facebook.