A historic pub in Colne, which dates back to the 19th century, is set to reopen today (June 17) after being closed for around a month.

The Crown Hotel on Albert Road is back open today, and a karaoke night with a DJ has been organised to celebrate.

Landlord Tom Davies has taken over from the previous operator and said he wants to breathe new life into the venue.

He said: “It is one of the best pubs in Colne and it has passed through so many hands in the last year. I have always loved The Crown and used to drink in here as a customer.

“Being a Colne lad, I think I know the local people and can make a bit of a difference to the pub. We want to breathe new life into the venue.”

Tom plans to make small aesthetic changes, before a possible refurbishment in six months, and will introduce food to the venue in July.

Tom, who already runs the Hare and Hounds pub in Foulridge, said: “It used to be a very popular pub, known for its food and friendly atmosphere.

“Eventually we are going to introduce some top quality ‘a la carte pub food’ to the venue, which we already showcase at the Hare and Hounds

“However, the food won’t be available until early July as we have to get the kitchen ready.

“We are going to be very customer focused, listening to what the community want and have to say.

“If things go well after six months we will look for some investment and try to fix the place up as, at the minute, it is looking a little dated.”

Undeterred by the current economic climate, Tom is determined to reopen ‘cornerstone pubs’ in the community, with plans to reopen The Anchor Inn in Salterforth in the coming weeks.

He said: “We are very aware of the current economic situation but I am a firm believer in that if you give the people what they want and add value to the community, we will thrive and potentially look at taking on more venues.

“We have been offered other pubs in the area but have been selective about the ones we take on. These pubs have been successful in the past and regarded as cornerstone venues.

“It is so sad to see pubs closing every day and if we can keep them open we will.”

Tom said the community is looking forward to having the pub back open.

He said: “We have had a good reaction from the public since announcing the reopening on social media.

"A lot of people were sad to see it go. A friend of mine called in and said the pub reopening is all anyone is talking about at the minute.

“I am excited but a bit nervous too as there are high expectations. We really want to please everybody and get this right.

“It will take months before we can get the pub to where we want it but we have a plan and if we stick to it we will be okay and the community will be happy.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped us with the process.”

A spokesperson for the brewery that owns the pub, Stars Pubs and Bars, said: “We are delighted that a new licensee has taken on leases for two of our pubs, The Crown Hotel in Colne and The Anchor Inn in Salterforth. 

"He brings a wealth of experience with him. 

"He is reopening The Crown today and will reopen the Anchor Inn in a couple of weeks following a refresh."