Preston pub Tulketh Tap Room to close for 3 weeks after bank holiday and will reopen as Rum Jack's Irish bar

Ashton’s Tulketh Tap Room had its licence reviewed in July following a request from Lancashire Police after a man suffered a broken jaw outside the Tulketh Brow venue in May.

Preston City Council’s licensing subcommittee imposed a three week suspension and imposed new rules for when it reopens which include banning former manager Ray Woods from entering the bar.

Other conditions imposed on the licence include the front outdoor area not being used for drinking after 9pm and the rear outdoor area after 10pm.

Mr Woods, who lives above the venue, will only be allowed on the premises to enter or leave the flat. He signed an affidavit promising no further involvement but such was the mistrust placed in him, the subcommittee also added conditions banning him from working in, managing, or having any financial interest in the business.

The pub was on the brink of losing its licence but councillors decided against a permanent closure. New owner Nicki Kirby is now eager to leave its troubled reputation behind as he embarks on a new era for the Lane Ends pub.

A new beginning

The three week suspension, which takes effect after the bank holiday, means Mr Kirby can press ahead with plans to transform the micropub into an Irish-themed bar.

The pub will close on Tuesday and undergo refurbishment before reopening as Rum Jack’s Irish Bar in mid-September, named after Mr Kirby’s son, Jack.

Mr Kirby said the pub will close on Monday evening and stay shut for three to four weeks while work takes place on its revamp.

Announcing his plans for the new bar on Facebook, he told customers: “Most of you will know who I am by now and you will have noticed the relentless time and energy I have been putting into this establishment to try and turn the place around.

“In a few weeks time this will be a brand new establishment with a new company name, under new ownership, bare in mind not one of the previous incidents being linked to myself.

“This is no longer Tulketh Tap Room and it will not go back to the way it was. Please appreciate this is a family-run business now and any sort of crime, disorder, or nuisance will not be tolerated on the premises.

“From this Monday coming, I will be starting a refurb within the property and outside to make some well needed amendments. Our aim is to form an Irish bar with the new name being Rum Jack's Irish bar, named after my son Jack.

“This will be the only Irish bar in Preston and my aim is to make it welcoming and safe for all to attend. There will be no headbanging loud music, the music will be background only.

“Please customers if this is going to work I need your help, just please appreciate the time and energy I'm putting in to create a safe and welcoming establishment for you all to enjoy peacefully.

“Thank you all for understanding and I look forward to seeing you all over the weekend.”