In and around the area surrounding King George’s Hall and up to Sudell Cross, we’ve seen at least five new eateries open and a brand-new pub too.
Plus, the work on Blakey Moor Terrace is really taking shape, with the impressive new space soon to be ready to let as a new restaurant and bar.
And the ‘King of Curry’ Akbar’s is set to open its doors too – meaning there’s even more to look forward to in 2024.
Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, told Discover BwD:
“It’s brilliant to see what’s happening in the area around King George’s Hall and REEL Cinema.
“We’ve welcomed Saffron Street as well as Toro’s Steakhouse, Istanbul, Kobeda Palace and 16th Street in just the last 12 months.
“These places are adding to the really good food offer we have here in Blackburn town centre with the likes of The Firepit, Turtle Bay and Thira.
“We also have the busy Food Hall in Blackburn Market which is super popular too.
“In the Cultural Quarter, and we’ve also seen the opening of The Ribblesdale Tap offering the finest hand-pulled ales, craft beers and artisan ciders from Blackedge Brewery.
“Visitors have all commented on how impressive it looks – something we’re really proud of.”
The Ribblesdale Tap – in the former Ribblesdale Hotel building – has undergone an impressive £350,000 renovation as part of the Council’s Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage Project with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Just next door, Blakey Moor Terrace – a once dilapidated row of buildings – is also being transformed as part of the same scheme.
Once completed, it’ll boast a large restaurant space with a stunning new frontage and outdoor seating.
Councillor Mahmood added:
“Throw in the works that are underway to carefully restore the iconic Victoria Building and there’s a huge amount of investment in this area and a real sense of momentum.
“We can’t wait to see Blakey Moor finished and for Akbar’s to open too – that is a real coup for us and shows the confidence there is in investing here.
“Of course, King George’s – one of Lancashire’s largest live music venues – remains a real jewel in the crown of that area and we’re working really hard to secure new funding for that too.
“It’s reputation for attracting big names brings in tens of thousands of visitors each year and now they’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat and drink.
“As a Council, we are ambitious – we want the best for our residents and the businesses here and we want a really strong town centre offer.
“For me, the Cultural Quarter is a really good example of how Council investment and partnership working can make a real difference and we’ll keep building on that.”
