Andorra to Australia and back to Burnley for new pub landords

Steve Driver and Georgia Walsh are the new landlord and landlay of the George IV pub in Padiham Road, which will reopen tomorrow for the first time since the coronavirus lockdown.

Indeed, it was the coronavirus outbreak that brought Steve back to his hometown from Australia, where he was working with Cardiff-born partner Georgia (31).

Georgia said: "I've worked in pubs since I was legally old enough. It's something I've always enjoyed and I've done it around the world now. I met Steve while we were both working in different bars at a ski resort in Andorra a few years ago.

"We were most recently in Australia but had to come home to the UK following the COVID outbreak. The opportunity presented itself at the George IV so we thought we'd take it on as we both have plenty of experience in the industry."

Georgia and Steve revealed they will eventually be offering a full menu at the pub, but current restrictions mean they will intially just be offering pie and peas. Live music and themed nights will also be introduced when restrictions are eased.

Georgia, who ran a cocktail bar in Andorra, said she also plans to create a cocktail menu for the pub soon.

She added: "I know that Australia and Andorra are very different from Burnley but people around the world want to have a good time. The George IV already has a good customer base, and there are lots of new houses being built nearby so hopefully we can build that base.

"Initally it will just be Steve and I working behind the bar, but as restrictions ease we hope to take on more staff. We've given the pub a freshen up and it also has a new pool table and televisions. The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns but Steve and I will have control over how it's run. It's very exciting and we can't wait to get going now."

The pub, which reopens tomorrow, will be open every day from noon to 11pm.