We continue to shine the spotlight on venues to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in our 'Pub of the week' feature.

This time we have headed to Barnoldswick to find out what is in store at this award-winning pub.

NAME: The Bankers Draft

ADDRESS:

The Old Bank. 143 Gisburn Road, Barrowford, BB1 2NY

LANDLADY:

Tracey Holden

TENURE:

Since opening on Halloween 2014

STAFF:

The Bankers Angels

HISTORY?:

I opened the micropub after working in financial services for 28 years, swapping pensions for pints.

FOOD?:

No

BEER GARDEN?:

No

MOST POPULAR DRINK?:

Ever rotating real ales

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?:

Opening night. My partner, David, helped behind the bar. Lots of customers arrived in fancy dress as it was Halloween. I had thrown myself in the deep end, and operated out of a shoe box as the till hadn’t arrived. Neither of us had ever served a pint before, and the night was definitely a challenge.

ENTERTAINMENT?:

No. Micro pubs are the home of “real social networking” where customers talk to each other. We don’t even have internet in the building.

CHALLENGES?:

After initially renting, I decided to buy the building with my SIPP (pension fund). The mortgage offer was about to expire when Covid hit, and I had 24 hours to decide if I should proceed or pull out. I certainly didn’t know how long the various lockdowns would last. Thankfully I’m still here to tell the tale.

BEST THING ABOUT RUNNING A PUB?:

The customers. I’m lucky to have a great bunch of regulars, who I refer to as my Bankers Family. A few of the locals are also my Bankers Angels and offer occasional cover behind the bar for me. Other than that I run the bar single-handed and my angels are an absolute godsend.

THE WORST THING ABOUT RUNNING A PUB?:

There is a lot of work behind the scenes, with cellar duties, tip runs and beer deliveries to deal with on a weekly basis.

THE PERFECT HANGOVER CURE?:

Hula hoops, water and fresh air.