Father and daughter team launch Lancs gastro-pub

FATHER and daughter team Chris and Joycelyn Neve have opened a new gastro-pub in East Lancashire after securing funding from NatWest.

The pair have transformed a former derelict pub on Livesey Branch Road in Feniscowles, near Blackburn, into the Oyster & Otter, a seafood-led pub and restaurant specialising in locally-sourced food.

This is the first venture by the Seafood Company, which was launched by Joycelyn with the support of her father.

The Fleetwood-based Neve family has more than 40 years’ experience in sourcing quality produce for the restaurant trade. Mr Neve is a buyer of fish and seafood by trade and will be supplying the restaurant.

Ms Neve said: “I’ve always been passionate about food and to open my own restaurant is the fulfilment of a dream. I grew up in and around the catering industry so it was only natural that I’d get drawn into it at some point. I initially started training as a chef but, after working in the catered events industry, I then became interested in the overall package.

The Neves and the Blackburn brewer Daniel Thwaites have invested around £600,000 transforming the former Hordens Pub. NatWest commercial banking in Blackburn has provided a £150,000. 

Relationship Director John Hough, said: “Chris and Joycelyn have spotted a gap in the market for a quality gastro-pub in the Blackburn area. They impressed us with their vision for the Oyster & Otter and secured the bank’s backing as result of this.”