TWO new drinking venues are due to open in Accrington town centre tomorrow.

The Warner Arms, in Warner Street, will re-open as a community pub showing live sports, while next door in the corner building, iBar, described as ‘Accrington’s new generation pre-club bar’, will also open its doors.

They are the result of a £250,000 investment by small independent pub company Bravo Inns.

Operations director Mark Dean said: “The Warner Arms will remain a community pub, with darts, pools, and live sports.

“The iBar is much more modern and a little bit different we believe for Accrington. We haven’t set our opening hours yet, but it could stay open until 1am.”

Mr Dean said the company, which also owns The Albion in Accrington and the Rhoden Inn, and Tinker and Budget in Oswaldtwistle, alongside numerous other north west venues, originally bought the buildings last February.

He said: “They came up on the market, and it was probably over-priced at first, and a lot of people were put off by the Wetherspoons 100 yards away.

“But we are not frightened of competition because we are a good operator.”

Because the Warner Arms is a Grade II listed building, red tape held up work until the start of this year. Now, 12 jobs have been created across both sites, and the firm is ready for its grand opening at 7pm.

The company has been keeping punters up-to-date with progress on its Facebook site, posting daily countdowns and pictures of the work going on inside.

Staff were still busy yesterday getting the bar ready and training ahead of its official opening.

Local councillor Tony Dobson added: “I am really pleased that somebody has invested in the venue.

“It will obviously be a contribution to try and get the night-time economy going again.”