WE continue our trip around East Lancashire putting the spotlight on some of the finest venues in the Pub of the Week feature.

Name of the pub

The Alexandra Hotel

Address of the pub:

Alexandra View, Darwen, BB3 1NL

Landlord/landlady name:

Paul Dean/John Scott

How long have you been the landlord/landlady for?

1 year

Bar staff and their names:

Plenty of lovely staff

Give us some history about the pub

Built in the mid 19th century, the Alexandra was a former mansion house known as Orchard House. It looked down over the seven great mills of Darwen. The origins of its current name link to the marriage of King Edward VII in 1963 to Alexandra of Denmark. Who some say, was the most beautiful of all English queens. For many years the Alexandra has been a focal point for the local community and long may that continue.

Is food served? Is so what’s on the menu?

Yes, homemade pizzas, snacks and children’s meals

Is there a beer garden

Yes, the biggest in Darwen

Do you have any darts/snooker/pool teams

We have four pool teams, and a darts team

Most popular drink served is:

Fruit ciders and premium lagers

Most memorable moment at the pub

Always Bonfire Night, but there are so many.

Do you have an entertainment line-up?

We have entertain lined up a few times a months

Have you faced any challenges within the industry

Main challenges have been overcoming the past and currently trying to survive during the current economic climate. Bills are so expensive for everyone at the moment, but our gas and electric have soared through the roof.

The best thing about running a pub is

Meeting new customers daily, enjoying the random nights that turn into so much fun. Hosting community events that brings everyone together.

Bonfire Night, Easter Egg Hunts, Talent Contests and Halloween parties to name just a few.

The worst thing about running a pub is..

Late nights and the cleaning up

The perfect hangover cure is...

Our new breakfast pizza or our Bloody Mary