‘We’ve had a blast’ – Pub closes its doors as managers ‘start new chapter’

The Alexandra, in Alexandra View, closed on Monday after managers Paul Dean and John Scott made the decision to leave. Paul said he had a stroke last April and John is due to retire, which contributed towards their decision. He also said the pub has been "making a loss since November" citing minimum wage rises and a bonfire night event, which is normally a big event for the pub, that was cancelled as a contributing reason.

The pub will be closed while a small refurbishment is carried out. The owner, Admiral Taverns, said it is “in advanced conversations” with a new licensee and “hope to reopen the pub as soon as possible”. Paul said: “The doors have closed for the last time.



Today (April 7) was going to be our last day, but we’ve sold out of everything, so we are not going to open. “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Customers and staff.

We’ve had a blast. But it’s time to start the next chapter. “I believe the Alexandra will be closed for a couple of weeks while some structural/minor facelift improvements are carried out.

Thanks again, it’s been memorable." A spokesperson for Admiral Taverns, said: " The Alexandra is currently closed following the decision taken by the previous licensees to leave the pub. "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and we wish them the very best for the future.

“We are in advanced conversations with a brand new, passionate licensee to take over The Alexandra and we are hoping to reopen the pub as soon as possible following some routine maintenance." The pub has a long history in Lancashire. It was built in the 19th century and was a former mansion house known as Orchard House.

It looked down over the seven great mills of Darwen. The origins of its current name link to the marriage of King Edward VII in 1963 to Alexandra of Denmark. In 2023, the pub hit headlines after it was ordered to pull down its outdoor drinking area following a planning issue.

Council planners rejected the bid, saying it didn't make a positive impact on the area and was not in keeping with the pub's appearance. It was later given permission to retain the canopied beer garden. Blackburn with Darwen Council has been approached for comment.

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