Last updated at 11:49, Tuesday, 15 January 2013

A RECENTLY-CLOSED pub and guesthouse is to be re-opened by a pair of Barrow entrepreneurs.

PLAN: New owners Peter McDowall, left, and Paul Bak inside The Ambrose, in Duke Street, Barrow. LINDSEY DICKINGS REF: 50043172B001

The Ambrose Hotel in Duke Street, Barrow, closed shortly before Christmas.

Paul Bak and Peter McDowall, who own Barrow Central Joinery in Michaelson Road and the Lodge Hotel in Lawson Street, took over the premises, which has 14 guest rooms.

They aim to open the bed and breakfast side of the business next week and open the freehold pub in mid-February.

Mr Bak, 45, said: “We know there’s quite a bit of movement on the rental side, with people coming in and out of town looking for accommodation. And that’s what made us look at it, because of the 14 rooms upstairs. That’s the main thing we have got it for, but we’re also going to try and make the pub work.

“You hear of all the pubs closing and everybody is struggling. But if we can create a pub with a good atmosphere and friendly bar staff, then we’re hoping to pull the punters back in.”

In addition to the bed and breakfast, Mr Bak aims to serve food in the pub once the business is up and running.

He has taken on two people who were made redundant when the Ambrose closed and said he is likely to need another cleaner and a couple of bar staff.

An opening night with live music is being planned to launch the venture.

Mr Bak said: “We’re going to clean it out, freshen it up and basically it’s under new management with different ideas.

“It’s been a popular little pub in its time. It’s a got a lot of character with the old beams and a nice log fire.

“It’s one of the nicer pubs on the outskirts of the town. It’s just whether the public will back you in it.

“For it to stay open, you need the people to come and have a drink.”

First published at 11:42, Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk