A TOWN CENTRE pub has called ‘time’ temporarily and will reopen when a new licensee is found.

The Adelphi on High Street, Blackburn, closed twice in 2016, and once in 2017 due to refurbishment, and has closed again, temporarily, for maintenance work. The pub will reopen when a new licensee is recruited, a spokesman for owner Admiral Taverns said.

The last couple to run the pub, Steve Whittle and his wife Diane, stepped down in April, and Admiral Taverns is seeking new faces for the establishment.

However, no new owners have emerged, and the pub has since been undergoing essential repairs.

A spokesperson for Admiral Taverns said: “The area manager is recruiting but has not found anyone suitable yet.

“We are looking for a licensee who is motivated and a community champion, with experience of running a pub but support can be given if needed.”

The Adelphi pub is close to Blackburn railway station and has the opportunity to be part of the town centre’s growing businesses.

Cllr Phil Riley, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Admiral Taverns need to recognise the potential in the area.

“The Adelphi pub is well located, it is amongst modern buildings and in a prospering place, but Admiral Taverns needs to appeal to the potential of the business.”

“Let’s hope that the new owners recognise all the development around the Cathedral Square and take advantage of that to bring a new business to the town.”

The pub is opposite Cathedral Square, which includes coffee chain Starbucks, Café Northcote, Turtle Bay Caribbean Social, and A Mano Italian restaurant.

There is also a Premier Inn, which opened in 2015 and has enjoyed relative success since then.

A six-storey office building is located within the square which offers a fresh outlook for the town, and with Blackburn Mall also nearby, the Adelphi is in a prime location.

To enquire about taking on the pub, contact enquiries@admiraltaverns.co.uk or visit their website for a list of open days.