Hotel boss's £500k restaurant plan

Darwen businessman Neil Bullows, 38, who owns the Whitehall Hotel and MJs Restaurant, off Ross Street, Darwen, is hoping his investment will bring new businesses and customers into the town.

Neil, who is putting in a bid to buy the George Inn, Bolton Road, Darwen, bought the Whitehall Hotel over four years ago and turned the failing business around.

And now he is looking for a new challenge and believes a contemporary restaurant in the town centre will help drum up business for other traders.

The George Inn has been on the market for four weeks. Neil spotted the for sale sign, has had a look around and has already has a vision for the building.

He plans to turn the four-story pub into a multi-floor restaurant with different styles of food on each level.

Neil said the scheme it would create around 12 full-time and part-time jobs in the town.

There are plans for a delicatessen and cafe on one floor, a pizzeria on another and a maybe a tapas themed floor.

Neil, who moved from Rochdale when he bought the Whitehall Hotel, said: "It was in dire straights when we bought it in 2003.

"We have turned the business around and won an excellence award in 2006.

"I am looking to further expand the business and I wanted to stay in Darwen so I can keep a close eye on the hotel.

"But not only that I have now live in Darwen and hope this will create opportunities for other businesses in the town.

"I really feel that there is a place in Darwen for a contemporary, vibrant restaurant.

"If I source local food and someone says where did you get that product from I can say Denise's fruit and veg in the market and that would bring in more trade to the market.

"And I hope other businesses will look to Darwen as an opportunity and invest in the town."

Eileen Guy, chair of Darwen Shop and Business Association, said: "It is quite a good idea. It is something positive for Darwen, there is so much negative stuff."