Owner and regulars share the love for Blackburn's favourite pub

Lark Carr, 32, and her mum Hilary took over The Drummer’s Arms on King William Street in July 2019 months before the pandemic.

The mother and daughter are still friendly with the previous owners Katie and James and have made sure to take care of the loyal customer base that they built up.

One of the two owners of The Drummer's Arms, Lark Carr

Lark said: “Me and my mum have always liked being in a kind of job that just changes from day to day, where everything’s different all the time.

“But it’s mainly the people, the customers here are absolutely amazing and it’s just nice knowing people for that amount of time where you become friends.

“So, it’s the customers that definitely make it. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

Even midweek afternoon, the pub had a lively and energetic atmosphere with music playing in the background and a few tables of friends and couples nattering away.

Regular customer Rob Hamilton and his friend ordering at the bar

One of the regulars, Rob Hamilton, 52, from Shadsworth came up to order a pint and was eager to share his admiration for The Drummer’s Arms. The former doorman said: “The staff are fantastic. It’s a brilliant pub and I love the way it’s got the old signs up from old bars.

“I come here with my friends when I’m not in work and it’s the best place for entertainment. It’s top notch in here and honestly the best bar staff in Blackburn.”

Posters on the wall inside the Drummer's Arms

The pub is coming up to its three-year anniversary with the Carr’s as owners so there’ll be live music and entertainment on Friday July, 1st to celebrate their with locals.

Maddy and Joe have been regulars since the pub opened in 2016

A smiley couple in their seventies sat in the corner of the pub by the window. Regulars Maddy and Joe are Blackburn born and bred and have been coming to the pub ever since it’s been open.

“We love this pub. It reminds you of the ways it used to be, there’s music on in the background but you can still talk to people.”

Before it was The Drummer’s Arms, the property used to be a jewellers called Vall-Hall. Maddy said: “That’s where I bought this necklace I’m wearing now.”

The sewing machine Maddy donated to the community creative workshop before it was The Drummer's Arms

The jewellers closed after 32 years and it then became a community creative workshop. Maddy pointed to a sewing machine in the window of the pub revealing that she donated that years ago after it was just sat collecting dust in her loft.

Adding another reason of why they love the pub so much, Maddy said: “I know lots of ladies feel they can come on their own and feel safe. It’s very rare but it’s very welcoming here.”

Joe added: “The landlady and her daughter are absolutely wonderful so that’s why people come back here, it’s a great environment.”