A cabaret bar in the heart of Blackburn has officially closed its doors while the pub group that owns it hunts for a new tenant.

The Adelphi pub in Railway Road, Blackburn, is officially back on the market after its previous owners announced they are leaving.

In 2019 Tony and Tom Bromwich took over the pub with ambitious plans to bring the colour and spectacle of The Friends of Dorothy (FOD) to the pub and turn it into ‘Blackburn’s only cabaret bar’.

Their last show was Saturday, September 3, and they brought drag queens and entertainers to the stage that has “been part of the FOD family” for three years.

They said: “Don't forget folks we made history in Blackburn.

“We just want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your amazing custom and support over the last four years we will miss you all and again thank you all.”

Many customers have left words of support, wishing the owners well in their next venture.

One person said: “Thanks for some great times and blinding nights. Hope to see you again sometime take care guys.”

Another said: “You will be sadly missed but a new yellow brick road adventure is now beginning for you all.”

A third said: “This makes me so sad but yet so excited for your new adventure

“We will miss you so very much but will see you soon.”

The future of the pub is currently a mystery and it will remain closed until the pub group which owns it, Admiral Taverns, finds a new tenant.

The business is currently up for grabs on their website. The pub group is asking for an £8,000 investment.

They said: “The Adelphi is a large building located on a corner plot in a prominent position on the main road into Blackburn town centre.

“It is situated opposite the recently upgraded Cathedral square close to the main railway station and to the Morrison’s supermarket.”

“Blackburn has recently undergone a major regeneration with many hotels and restaurants being built which drives further footfall to the town with a number of new restaurants and leisure outlets.

“The busy New Mall Shopping Centre has recently been built and features lots of major shops, and to the rear of the Adelphi the old Lancashire Telegraph building is undergoing renovation and conversion in to 68 apartments."

They also explained that the pub is currently trading as a cabaret bar and that the new owner can put “their own stamp on the place” once they take over.

They said: “On entering, the bar servery is located to the left side of the pub and is surrounded by plenty of seating and can cater for up to 60 people.

“There is also an area to the left of the pub ideal space for a pool table and darts area. The catering kitchen is located behind the bar and is partly equipped.

“The pub is in good condition however the new licensee may wish to put their own stamp on the pub to create a new feel to the pub and welcome in old and new customers.”

A spokesperson for Admiral Taverns said: “We have 1,600 pubs across the country, and we work hard in partnership with all our licensees, however in the case of The Adelphi, the licensee has taken the decision to leave. 

"We are in the process of looking for a new licensee to take on the pub, and ensure The Adelphi has a long-term, sustainable future."