LISTEN: Lancaster couple celebrating 20 years at city pub The Borough

A Lancaster pub, restaurant and hotel is celebrating 20 years of success at the heart of the city.

The Borough opened its doors in 2006, located in a town house overlooking Dalton Square, close to the Queen Victoria Monument and Lancaster Town Hall.

In 2005 the Georgian building, formerly the Mayor of Lancaster's house, was bought by Lancaster couple Hannah and Martin Horner, who then set about refurbishing the ground floor, kitchens, toilets and drawing room,

Since then The Borough has become known for its quality food and drink served seven days a week, its 14 en suite bedrooms, its beer garden, its perfect location for weddings, and its popular events including Lancaster On Ice and Lancaster Comedy Club.

The Borough

LISTEN to Martin and Hannah Horner talking about 20 years of The Borough

"I think we're proud about the whole thing, the people who work here, the customers, everything," said Martin.

"Food has been crucial, but it's the complete mix that has made it successful."

Hannah said: "It has a brilliant courtyard garden at the back, which I think is one of the most secret beer gardens in Lancaster.

"And it's a big space. It really comfortably sits into a bar and a dining room, and the function room upstairs.

"To carry on trading in challenging times you have to try different things to see if they work.

"Martin is very good at constantly coming up with ideas to get the people of Lancaster to come through the doors.

"Comedy nights, we have a wedding licence, a menu that changes seasonally, we employ over 40 people from the Lancaster area, we have 14 en suite bedrooms, we try lots of things."

Lancaster On Ice, the annual outdoor ice skating rink in Dalton Square which pulls thousands into the city centre every Christmas, has been a particular highlight.

Lancaster On Ice.

"We're really proud of it," said Martin.

"We were sat in this room on a blisteringly hot summer's day, and I was looking out of the window and I said to Hannah, wouldn't it be great if people could skate around Queen Victoria? I love the event, I think it's fantastic."

Hannah said: "The Borough is by nature a wintry place and there's nothing better than you see everyone coming in wrapped up to the nines, the Christmas hits on repeat and the mulled wine smells as soon as you come through the door."

The Borough also attracts the famous, having welcomed John Bishop, Sheridan Smith, Gordon Ramsay, Gok Wan, Julian Clary and more showbiz names through its doors over the past two decades.

Their regular Fawlty Towers dinner nights are in high demand, with three more due in September and tickets selling fast.

A series of 20th anniversary events are taking place at The Borough, including for the May Day bank holiday weekend, when there will be an offer on Prosecco, and live music from The Flatlanders on Saturday at 9pm.

"Thanks everybody for coming in, and we look forward to seeing you for a few more years!" said Hannah.

Find out more about The Borough HERE.

*This advertising feature is part of the Lancaster BID Business Birthdays series.