Quality pub bid for town centre

The former Somerfield store in Church Street, Darwen, has stood empty on a prime town centre site for several months.

Now Marlow-based Barracuda Group wants to open a Smith and Jones pub there.

Smith and Jones is one of four Barracuda brands, the others being student-orientated Varsity, South African-themed Barracuda Bars and the recently launched fourth brand, Juniper Inns, which is aimed at the local pub market.

The most recent Smith and Jones pub to open was The Calder, in Accrington, last month.

Sarah Calderbank, from Barracuda, said: "Barracuda Group has applied for planning permission at 9-10 Church Street, Darwen, to transform the site into a stylish Smith & Jones-branded pub, creating around 30 new jobs.

"Darwen was identified as a highly suitable area for a Smith and Jones site as we believe the town would benefit from such a quality-led operation.

"Barracuda will focus on a long- term commitment to Darwen with around £800,000 investment into the site.

"Typically its Smith and Jones sites focus on being aesthetically pleasing and adding vitality to the area, especially during the day.

"Already successful in a number of towns such as Northwich and Accrington, Smith and Jones is a premium brand and the outlet will take its name from a local or historical connotation.

"The pubs generally have an emphasis on quality food and wine, appealing to shoppers, office workers and tourists using the town centre for both day and evening.

"Typical features include slate, wood block and carpet flooring, leather upholstery with reclaimed and salvaged fittings and architectural heritage colours that embrace the traditional finishes in a contemporary style."

Barracuda Group was named Managed Pub Company of the Year in 2005 and Retail Brand of the Year for its Varsity brand by trade newspaper The Publican. It has more than 160 pubs across the UK.

Interest was previously shown in the site by pubs giant Wetherspoons in December 2002.