Works Start to Reopen Popular Canal-Side Pub Following Six-Month Closure

Building work starts on Monday 21st September to upgrade and reopen The Anchor Inn, a popular canal-side pub in Salterforth near Colne, following a six-month closure. A £169,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new lessee Karen Robertson will see the pub reopen in mid-October.

Karen is keen to make The Anchor Inn a year-round, family- and dog-friendly destination for walkers, canal users and the local community. Her plans include a food offering with a menu based on fresh, local produce and a busy entertainment schedule featuring live music and themed nights, such as wine tastings. Live sports will also be shown, and darts will be played.

The new manager of the family-run pub will be Katie Williamson, Karen’s sister-in-law, who works in hospitality. She is moving from Edinburgh to take on the new position.

Changes to the pub include a complete internal makeover, with the interior painted in shades of green. There will be new and refurbished furniture, including high bar stools and deep-buttoned, fixed mid-level leather seating. The flooring will be a mix of renovated flagstones, timber floorboards and new carpet. New decorative lighting, blinds and bric-a-brac will complete the smarter, modern country look.

The ladies’ toilets will also be overhauled to include new cubicles, vanity units, flooring and wallpaper.

Outside, a mix of A-frame and round timber tables and benches, an outdoor bar, a new windbreaker and festoon lighting will be added to create ambience in the evenings. There are also plans to install a children’s play area in the new year.

The drinks range will include premium beers, ciders and lagers, such as Old Mout and Inch’s ciders, Beavertown Neck Oil, Cruzcampo and Birra Moretti, alongside Theakston’s cask ale. There will also be premium spirits, wines, a selection of low- and no-alcohol drinks, and soft drinks. Barista-style coffee, tea and cakes will also be available.

Karen is delighted to be opening The Anchor Inn and beginning this exciting new chapter for the pub.

Karen says: “From the moment I first visited, I fell in love with The Anchor Inn, its rich heritage and the wonderful history that makes it such a special place.

“The Anchor Inn has a beautiful canal-side setting in an area I greatly admire. Katie and I are fortunate to have family nearby, which makes this opportunity even more meaningful. As a family-run pub, we want to create a warm, welcoming place where everyone feels at home.

“I can already see the incredible potential and am excited about the pub’s future. I am passionate about preserving its character while building a vibrant venue that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

Katie says: “I cannot wait to get to know local residents, become part of the community and play an active role in supporting local events, groups and initiatives. I look forward to meeting everyone and making The Anchor Inn a place where great memories are made for years to come.”

Chris Newsham, Star Pubs’ Business Development Manager, says: “We’re delighted to be upgrading and reopening The Anchor Inn, building on its previous popularity. The investment will take the pub to a new level, improving the décor for its many regulars. Karen has some exciting plans for The Anchor Inn to broaden its appeal further and ensure it’s a pub for all seasons. I wish her, Katie and their team every success.”

The refurbishment of The Anchor Inn is part of a £44.5m investment that HEINEKEN UK is making this year to upgrade and reopen pubs.