Historic Whalley Pub Set to Reopen Following £250,000 Investment

A much-loved Whalley pub is set for a £250,000 upgrade that will enable it to reopen and thrive for the long term as a high-quality, family- and dog-friendly local.

The investment in The Dog Inn on King Street is being carried out by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs and new publican, and Whalley resident, Lee McLoughlin. The sympathetic refurbishment follows the retirement of the pub's previous licensee in early June after 34 years at the helm.

Work starts on 22nd June, and The Dog Inn is expected to reopen around mid-July.

The project will carefully renovate the exterior of the beautiful old pub – believed to date back 250 years – enhancing the centre of the village. The rear garden will also be given a new lease of life, with stylish furniture, festoon lighting and a revamped covered pergola for year-round use.

The interior redecoration will bring out all of The Dog Inn's character and charm while making it more comfortable and ensuring it retains its appeal for years to come. The décor will incorporate heritage colours and preserve distinctive features such as the snugs, fireplaces and original bar, alongside new soft furnishings, flooring and classic dark wood furniture.

Local sports enthusiasts will benefit from a brand-new pool table and improved darts facilities in the games room. In addition, discreetly positioned screens and Sky TV will be installed, enabling customers to come together to watch major sporting events such as the World Cup and Wimbledon. Other improvements include replacing the toilets and refitting the kitchen with brand-new equipment.

Lee is looking to retain The Dog Inn's reputation for great beer and drinks. To that end, he is undertaking a complete overhaul of the cellar, installing state-of-the-art dispense equipment and new cask lines to ensure consistently perfect pints. Six cask ales will feature on the bar alongside a wide selection of draught beers. There will also be additions to the wine list and good-quality coffee.

On the food front, customers can look forward to the same popular selection of freshly prepared pub classics, including favourites such as homemade cheese and onion pie and meat pies. Dishes will use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, and Sunday roasts will remain a speciality. Lee will also introduce new specials, a children's menu and extend food service from 12pm–2pm to 12pm–4pm.

Lee says: "The previous publican did an amazing job over the last three and a half decades. I want to pick up the baton and do all I can to ensure The Dog Inn remains an asset to Whalley and a true hub of the village. We're taking the opportunity to refresh it, but everything will be in keeping with the building and its unique character.

"We'll be continuing The Dog Inn's many well-supported activities, from open mic nights to the annual Burns Night celebration. The majority of the team is staying, so there will be lots of friendly, familiar faces to welcome people back. We can't wait to open the doors."

Star Pubs Area Manager Chris Newsham adds: "We're delighted to be joining forces with Lee to invest in securing The Dog Inn's future as a fantastic traditional pub for both the village and visitors to enjoy. Lee has big boots to fill, but he's just the person for the job. He has many years of hospitality experience and, as a local resident, understands exactly what the community wants."