THE future of a popular bar and cafe business in Darwen’s Sunnyhurst Wood has been secured after two of its owners bought out their business partners.

The Olde England Kiosk function room was taken over in 2011 by two couples, Lindsey and Paul Chapman and Lesa and Michael Waring.

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It was put up for sale late last year, but, as of January 1, the business was taken over by Mr and Mrs Chapman.

The building, dating from 1912, still belongs to the people of the town and was never up for sale.

Mrs Chapman, who looks after most of the running of the business while her husband is a drayman at Blackburn brewery Thwaites, said she was glad the future of the business had been settled.

She said: “Things were a bit up in the air when the business went up for sale and customers were saying they didn’t want to see us leave. Now we can just get on with things and I am really excited for the future.

“It feels great to be able to kick on with a new year and concentrate on the business.”

Mrs Chapman, who had previously worked as a beauty therapist, said the business was doing well and had never been suffering.

She said: “We have plenty of bookings for this year and now the future is settled I expect more to come in.

“This place always does well and people tend to come here for their 18th, and their wedding, and then the Christening of their children, which is always really nice to see.”

Mrs Chapman, who lives above the historic building with her husband and two children, said the couple were considering some initiatives to take the business further.

She said: “We are thinking of doing a wedding fair, maybe next month, and starting an open mic night.

“We will be looking at what we can offer on top of weddings and other functions.”

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith said: “They have done a fantastic job since they took it over and have been active in the community as well. It is great Lindsey is going to stay on.”