Darwen bar and cafe bought by two of four original owners

A busy bar and café business in Darwen, Lancashire, has been purchased by two of its four original owners, after two decided to bow out.

Two couples, Lindsey and Paul Chapman and Lesa and Michael Waring, bought the Olde England Kiosk function room in 2011. It had been placed on the market in the last few months of 2014 and was taken over by the Chapmans on 1 January.

The historic building itself, dating back to 1912, was not included in the sale, and belongs to the town’s inhabitants.

Mrs Chapman, a former beauty therapist, is relieved that the future of the business has been secured after a time of uncertainty. She said: “Things were a bit up in the air when the business went up for sale and customers were saying they didn’t want to see us leave. Now we can just get on with things and I am really excited for the future.”

Looking ahead, she added: “We have plenty of bookings for this year and now the future is settled I expect more to come in.”

The couple live above the business with their two children, and are looking into starting a wedding fair or an open mic night in order to take things further.