The Brookside Hotel was built in the 1800's bringing a hotel to Darwen.
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The owners of The Brookside Hotel now had the addition of a pub downstairs and hotel rooms upstairs.
In 1988 The Brookside was a busy pub with accommodation upstairs for the landlords.
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In 2008, the curtains fell on a longstanding local pub, leaving behind memories and a structure that had seen better days. Two years later, in 2010, our family saw not just a building, but a beacon of potential. Thus began our journey to breathe new life into this piece of Darwen's history.
Our first step was a comprehensive six-month renovation, a challenging yet rewarding endeavour. We stripped the walls back to their bare bricks, revealing the skeleton of a once-thriving establishment. Once this was done, we had to tie the front wall back to the side walls, as we could now see the main road through the building.
In a bold move, we demolished the back half of the pub, only to meticulously reconstruct it using the original stone salvaged from the demolition. This not only preserved the building's character but also honoured its historical significance.
Attention to detail was paramount. The entire building was re-roofed, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. We didn't stop there – the building underwent a full electrical rewire and a complete overhaul of the heating system, including a new boiler, radiators, and plumbing. This transformation was not just about beauty; it was about creating a space that was safe, functional, and efficient.
Our journey was not without its challenges.
During the creation of a luxury 2-bedroom flat above the original structure.
As we removed the old wallpaper, an entire ceiling beam came crashing down, a close call that fortunately resulted in no injuries. This incident led to the installation of new, robust beams, complementing the new roof and ensuring the building's safety for years to come.
With unwavering dedication, we transformed the back half of the building into two modern 1-bedroom flats. The remaining space evolved into a luxurious hair, barbering, beauty, and aesthetics salon, which has been serving the community with pride since August 2010.
Successfully run on a day to day basis by daughters Stephanie and Emma, who’s drive and determination to overcome Covid-19 and many other challenges has been the driving force behind the success of the salon year on year.
This project was more than a business venture; it was our commitment to preserving one of Darwen’s cherished buildings and ensuring its strength for future generations. We aspire to keep this landmark within our family, passing it down through the generations, while maintaining a vibrant business that contributes positively to the town of Darwen.
We invite you to step into our salon, a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly, offering an experience that goes beyond mere beauty treatments.
Welcome to our legacy.
