A DERELICT Darwen pub which has been transformed into a Mediterranean restaurant has become "more popular than expected", according to its owner.

Essence has now replaced the former White Lion pub in The Green, which closed in July 2014 after its manager decided to pull out just four months after opening.

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But despite a turbulent period, owner Halil Orhanli said he feels as if the restaurant has breathed new life into the building.

He said: “We have been doing very good so far and I think this is a brilliant addition to Darwen.

“People have been impressed with the food and have come in for a variety of things, including the cocktails we have on offer at the bar.

“We have been fully-booked out the past two Saturdays, it’s become more popular than we ever expected and it’s brilliant we have been able to bring the building back to life.”

Builder and interior designer Andy Shorrock is due to open a new bar in Church Bank Street and said that he hopes the businesses will complement each other He said: “We have fully renovated the place and since it opened we have had fantastic feedback from people saying it looks really nice.

“I feel like, with my new bar as well, that will have a gin and tonic twist, the centre of Darwen is becoming the place to be.

“We’re getting more and more people coming from out of town from places like Clitheroe.

“The work we have done on it looks amazing.

“I hope that my business and Essence can work together more in the future.”

The White Lion suffered from a lack of trade just before its closure when former licensee Barbara Greenall decided she should move on after just a short time behind the bar.

Sunnyhurst councillor Pete Hollings said he is planning to visit the restaurant on Saturday after hearing great feedback.

He said: “This kind of business is exactly what we need in Darwen to make it a more appealing place to come to.

“Essence will do a lot for the nightlife of the town.

“Myself and my partner are planning to visit on Saturday and we are looking forward to it.”

Leon Kelly, owner of Level One nightclub, has already visited Essence and he said he would give it five stars.

He said: “The food was excellent, the service was superb and I thought it was decent value as well.”