The head chef from an award-winning pub is poised to take over a venue which has been closed for more than six months.

Sean Forshaw, who successfully ran the kitchen at the Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom, is taking over the White Bull in Oswaldtwistle, and plans to turn it into a feel-good, homely eatery, putting gastro food on the map in the town.

The White Bull closed in August last year after landlord, and councillor for Immanuel ward, Cllr Josh Allen, decided to give up the pub due to him no longer wanting to be involved in the industry, coupled with ‘health issues’.

When he took over the pub in 2019 he completed a £40,000 refurb, but Sean is planning to give the inside of the pub a refresh before concentrating on building-up the venue's reputation for home-cooked food.

Lancashire Telegraph: WELCOMING: The White Bull in Oswaldtwistle

Sean said: "I'll be taking on the director's role and running the whole pub, not just the kitchen.

"It's all been finalised and signed and we're planning to open at the beginning of March.

"We really want to concentrate on the food side of things, home cooked food, premium level stuff, but keeping the prices realistic for the area.

"So we'll still have our home made bread and burgers, but then we'll be introducing things like lobster.

"Oswaldtwistle is missing a real gastro pub."

Sean explained how he'd been thinking about running his own place for a while, having always run kitchens and venues for other people, and along with his partner, Erica, who will be concentrating on front of house business, he is bringing in Callum Hartley who ran the bar at the Eagle and Child,

He added: "We are in the process of looking for about four or five new staff and will be carrying the ethos from the Eagle and Child with us, hoping to work with the community in Oswaldtwistle, helping people with autism, and Glen Duckett, who ran the Eagle and Child will be helping us out with that too.

"I'm very excited but a little bit nervous too as I don't know the locals but nothing ventured nothing gained - our focus will be on the customers and to make sure they go away happy."

Director of pubs and brewing at Daniel Thwaites PLC, Andrew Buchanan: “It is fantastic that Sean and Erica will take over the White Bull, bringing with them the experience and insight gained in another of our award-winning pubs.

"We are very confident that the pub will once again become extremely popular with locals and build its reputation from further afield.

"We are yet to confirm a re-opening date but the White Bull will re-launch with a refreshed look and feel and a new food offering.”