Revamped Morecambe pub set to reopen under new management

The new team at a pub in the West End of Morecambe have big plans for its future.

Darren and Annmarie Jones have taken over the venue known for many years as Maggie's Bar and The Cavern, and more recently as Bar 10 nightclub.

They have renamed the Springfield Street pub AJ's Bar.

'AJ' is inspired by Annmarie Jones' name, and is the same name as a successful pub the couple also run in Accrington.

AJ's Bar will open this Friday (June 27) at 6pm and then will open from 8am seven days a week.

As new leaseholders, Darren and Annmarie have given the pub a refurbishment, with a new bar, pumps and cellar equipment, new flooring and decor.

They say they want to bring a community feel to the pub and make it "homely and warm".

Darren has worked in the licensed trade for 25 years and the couple live in Blackburn.

Annmarie gave up her job as a nurse to work in the pubs with her husband

They said they decided to open a bar in Morecambe because of the regeneration of the town.

"We looked at the plans for the Eden Project Morecambe, did some homework, and thought it would be a good move to come here," said Darren.

"We've set a Facebook group up and had a good response. A lot of people are happy it's opening again.

"We try to give people a decent pint at a decent price. I'm very big on cleanliness and I like everything to be of a certain standard.

"We've been open in Accrington for 12 months and we've never had any trouble. We have a nice relaxed atmosphere. Everyone gets on with everybody and that's what we want to do here. 

"Morecambe is a lovely place. Annmarie wants to move here."

Annmarie said: "We've turned it back into a bar that can be used at day or night-time.

"We have a nice mix of people in the pub in Accrington and that's what we want to have here too."

Paul Stevens, from Morecambe, will manage AJ's Bar. 

Paul is pictured below with Annmarie.

"Hopefully this is the missing piece the West End has been looking for," said Paul.

Darren and Annmarie said they intend to employ local people, creating around six jobs.

Their plans include Wednesday night pool teams, prize raffles, and a regular night of free food for the community - an initiative that has proven popular in Accrington.

The pub's opening weekend will include karaoke and DJ on Friday evening, and live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Here's how AJ's Bar looks inside following the refurbishment.

They said they hoped AJ's Bar would be a great addition to the West End of Morecambe's current venues, which include The Exchange, The Boardwalk, The Wellington, Alhambra Live, Davy Jones' Locker and The Boardwalk.

"If you get more bars into one area, it attracts more people," said Darren.

"It's a good night out if you don't have that far to walk between pubs."

He also said that he hoped by opening at 8am, it would attract workers coming off night shifts.

"People want somewhere to go first thing in the morning for a pint, or a coffee," he said.

"We just want it to have a nice atmosphere and be part of the community."