The Volunteer Pub, Darcy Lever, reopens after refurb

The last pub standing in Darcy Lever, on Radcliffe Road, is once again serving the community after closing its doors in January for the transformation.

Having taken over the establishment the month before, popular landlord Derek Gallagher is running the Volunteer with his son, 22-year-old Elliot.

The pub reopened on Thursday, March 2.

Derek said: “We’ve completely gutted the building from ceiling to floor.

READ MORE: The Volunteer pub closes for a few weeks, refurb

“Everything’s been ripped out and we’ve got all brand-new seating, brand-new lighting, brand-new carpets, toilets, front, back. Everything.

New pool table (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve had six, seven builders per day for the last couple of months. You’re talking the best part of £200,000, maybe more, maybe less.”

He added: “It feel absolutely fantastic. I’m quite a hyperactive guy. I’ve got stuck in with the builders. I’ve helped out here and there and kept myself in the loop.

“I’m excited now.”

READ MORE: New landlord at The Volunteer pub, Darcy Lever

Derek says the pub is very much community focused.

With a new pool table and darts board, TV screens, and a wide assortment of drinks and snacks available, the pub is billed as having something for everyone.

Little Lever and Darcy Lever councillor and fellow publican Cllr Sean Hornby came down to show his support.

Derek Gallagher, Maureen Brown, and Cllr Sean Hornby (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “It looks fantastic.

“It was in desperate need of a refurb, and I think for Tonge Leisure, who own the building, to have the confidence to invest in Darcy Lever at this time with the economic climate the way it is – because pubs are struggling - is great.

“The landlord here is a nice chap.”

Cllr Hornby says that pubs are community hubs, which are needed.

He added: “You need somewhere to meet for a drink, to celebrate things, for Christmas, birthdays, or just out for a general, everyday drink.

READ MORE: The Volunteer, Darcy Lever, announces 'grand opening'

“It’s a friendly pub, there’s a park out back for the kids as well. There are ample car parking spaces so people can come and have a drink, leave their cars here overnight and they’ll be safe and collect them the next day.

“Let’s hope the community will come out and support it because they deserve the support.”

Outside area (Image: Newsquest)

Derek says they will soon be doing freshly made sandwiches, pasties, and other snack out of their small kitchen, and there will be events and promotions coming up that will be announced in due course.

He added: “Come in. Have a feel of the place. We don’t bite.

“We welcome customers old and new. As long as everybody’s happy, I’m happy.”