PUB REVIEW: Shooters Arms, Nelson

The Pendle pub has had its ups and downs over the years – but new landlord Paul Street is aiming to get this boozer back to being one of the area’s most popular watering holes.

Paul has been in the pub trade for over 20 years, and was a builder by trade. He is loving his tenure at the Shooters and said: “It’s a lovely place. The local people are so friendly and the views over the Pendle countryside are stunning.”

The pub has a most impressive interior – and you get a nice, cosy feel about the place, with its low beamed ceilings and soft, comfy seating. It has a spacious, open bar area and there are lots of old photos adorning the walls – plus pictures of the 60s Burnley FC team of which former player Tommy Cummings was landlord at the hostelry during the 1970s.

Paul was a very welcoming host, and was eager to show me round. He took me firstly into the roomy, flag-floored pool room, before showing me the impressive old-fashioned dining-room, also flag-floored. Paul said: “Our menu has just started. There is lots of home-cooked food to choose from – and there is a special Sunday lunch which we hope will prove popular.”

Back in the main bar I was interested to see what cask ales were on offer. Three to choose from – all Thwaites brands. The line-up being the ever popular Wainwright, Lancaster Bomber and Thwaites Original. There are also four lagers.”

Outside, the pub has a lovely two-tiered beer garden, with spectacular, unspoilt views, over Pendleside. It had been a bit of a wilderness before Paul’s arrival – but now it looked most attractive, with its lawned areas, flower-beds and garden furniture. Paul adding: “Nearly all finished – all the hard work has been worth it. The weather has been kind - long may it continue.”

Back inside I met one of the pub’s oldest regulars. It’s always nice to get a few comments from the many characters you meet – and Rosey was a most friendly patron. “I have lived here, not the pub, you understand, for 65 years. I remember when the beer garden was a vegetable patch. It was overgrown until recently – but they have done a smashing job on it now.”

It was really good to see the pub thriving once more – some of the regulars had feared it was in danger of closing, until recently. Thankfully, Thwaites invested in this historic Pendle landmark – and I predict Paul and his team will make the financial outlay a wise investment.