A businessman with a vision to bring a bespoke drinking and dining experience to his hometown has opened a new lounge bar in one of East Lancashire’s busiest high streets.
Mark Birtwistle, from Great Harwood, purchased a bar called Black and Gray last month, and has spent the last four weeks transforming the Queen Street venue into an exclusive bar called Mellows Lounge Bar and Eatery.
The 51-year-old already has several businesses in Great Harwood, one of which is The Juniper, known locally as TJs. Situated in the centre of the town, TJs will celebrate its fifth year on November 3.
Mr Birtwistle said: “Mellows is going to be a lounge bar and function premises which will open later in the evenings.
“Being a long-term resident of Great Harwood, I feel that the town has been crying out for something that can offer good food and a wide selection of drinks in very nice surroundings.
“We’ll be serving sharing platters and small plates, and from 11pm Mellows will be restricted to people aged 25 and over.”
Mellows joins a handful of new, upcoming businesses in Great Harwood, including the Brie Mine bistro which is set to open soon in the premises once occupied by the Green Olive Deli; and Holy Canoli on Glebe Street, which opened just over a year ago.
With Mellows, Mr Birtwistle hopes to employ more than six people, and is aiming to open the venue on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm until 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm until 2am, and Sundays from 12pm until 12am.
He continued: “I hope Mellows will help to improve the town, which is becoming a fantastic hub for new and existing businesses.
“We can offer a place to make people feel welcome, and the vibe will be Steam Punk, Chesterfield sofas and bold bespoke designs.”
Offering a wide range of premium rums vodkas, gins, beers and a wide variety of wines, champagnes and prosecco, Mr Birtwistle and his team have concentrated on the finer details to ensure all their guests get the same exquisite experience every time.
He added: “We want it to be a place where people can come in and forget what's going on in the world and just relax and enjoy good drinks and delicious food.”
Mellows is expected to open on Friday, October 14.
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