Blackburn landlady to take over the Nabs Head in Samlesbury

Vonnie Brookshaw and her partner Shaun Stewart, who have 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, are set to take over the Nabs Head in Samlesbury next month.

The pub is set to reopen on May 8 and Vonnie says she can’t wait to get started.

She said: “I am nervous and excited but people tell me nerves are good as it shows how passionate I am.

“We can't wait to welcome customers back into the Nabs Head and are super excited for our new venture.”

Vonnie Brookshaw and her partner Shaun Stewart (Image: Vonnie Brookshaw)

Vonnie said she had dreamed of opening her own restaurant or pub after being diagnosed with cancer a decade ago.

She said: “10 years ago I fell very ill with cancer and I was ill for around a year.

“After that I decided that my dream would be to one day own my own restaurant and pub… now here I am.

“The dream has taken a while because I had to save up some money.

“It was then a case of finding my feet so I started working in restaurants around here.

“Most people want to retire but not me. I just love people and cooking.”

Vonnie chose the Nabs Head for its rural location and potential.

She said: “I wanted to work in a more rural area and the community

“I tried to take over another pub but that fell through. Shortly after, Thwaites got in touch and said the perfect opportunity at the Nabs Head came up.”

Vonnie said the new and improved Nabs Head is more food focused, with home cooked food and even afternoon teas, with a gin or prosecco tipple on the side, on the menu.

According to a menu that has been posted to its Facebook page, fish and chips, steaks, roast dinners and pies and more will also be on the menu.

The a la carte menu includes poached salmon, braised slow steak en-croute and other dishes.

Your four-legged friends are also included as there is a special menu for dogs, with ‘Scooby Doo sausages, ‘Doggy Wuffins’ and bacon rolls available.

“There is a real focus on food under our management,” Vonnie said.

“The previous owner has a basic menu. We will be serving good, home cooked food with a bit of ambience.

“We are adhering to what the community want. They liked the pub as it was but I think there is room for improvement.”

While there aren’t any major refurbishments planned, Vonnie said she has plans to introduce an outdoor seating area.

She said: “We aren’t carrying out any major refurbishments but we will be putting our own stamp on the place.

“It’s excellent inside and we have a gazebo that is going up with seats underneath.”

Vonnie said customers can’t want for the venue to reopen.

She said: “The community has been crying out for the venue to reopen as they were really sad when it closed.

“When I go to the venue I can’t get anything done as customers stop and chat to me – I feel a bit like royalty.

“We have had such a lovely response since making the announcement on Facebook.

“When we open I hope everyone will come down to the Nabs Head – everyone will be welcome.”