THE times are changing at a Darwen restaurant after a refurbishment costing more than £30,000.

Samuel's, on Bolton Road, has been transformed under the ownership of Peter and Judy Tracey.

When they took over the pub it was decked out with a Formica bar and with bench seat around the side. But now it houses a 78-seater restaurant. Most of the renovation, which included decorating, tables, carpets and chairs and a new bar was done in under two weeks but there are still plans for more work.

Peter said: "In the summer I want to do the outside and there is the garden out of the back to do as well," said Peter.

However, running a restaurant has its downside.

Recently, when putting up a sign, Peter's ladder slipped and he ended up nursing a broken nose and wrist.