A popular pub in Darcy Lever is less than two weeks away from opening to the public after undergoing an extensive makeover.

The Volunteer pub has been closed since early January, with the inside of the pub being completely ripped out, including removing the carpet, and giving the toilets a complete makeover, which has cost a whopping “six-figure plus amount”.

The front of the pub has also undergone a transformation.

Derek Gallagher took over The Volunteer pub in Darcy Lever, at the end of October last year, after previously running the Queen Elizabeth in Great Lever.

He says he was ready for a challenge and said that so far everything is “falling into place”, compared to five weeks ago when it was ‘unrecognisable’.

The Bolton News: Derek said: “To say I’m excited about this project that is being done here at The Volunteer would be an understatement.

“If Carlsberg did pubs, then Tonge Leisure would be up there with the best.

“Everything is falling into place as we speak considering you couldn’t even recognise the pub five weeks ago.

“We can’t wait to see our customers old and new.”

Derek says that all of this wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the building contractors involved in the “massive project”.

He is confident that the pub could become known as the best in Bolton.

Derek has also thanked the community for their patience during the closure.

He runs the pub with his son Elliot, aged 22, which is managed by Tonge Leisure.

The Bolton News:

He has amassed 20 years’ experience in the industry, and it is very much a passion of his.

Punters can expect a whole calendar of events celebrated including the Cheltenham horse racing festival, St Patrick’s Day, Easter Bank Holiday and more.

The Volunteer will also be showing live sports throughout the day via BT and Sky.

Derek said: "We are friendly and welcoming, with a lot of sports games and live music every month.

“It’s a very community run pub.”

The Volunteer pub is now the only pub in the village, with the other three closing down.

The pub will officially open with a launch night on March 2 at 5pm.

For more information click here (www.restaurantji.co.uk/greater-manchester/bolton/the-volunteer-5/). 

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