Last updated at 17:25, Friday, 15 February 2013

TODAY’S Pub of the Week is Barrow landmark The Strawberry, on the corner of Abbey Road and Hollow Lane

HERE’S TO CHALLENGES Manager Peter Tranter behind the bar at the Strawberry JON GRANGER REF: 50044429B000

THE Strawberry is a Barrow institution.

Standing tall and proud on the corner of Abbey Road, the pub has played a major part in the lives of thousands.

From sixth form college students to the home-for-the-holidays university crowd and football, rugby and cricket teams; courting couples, married couples, and of course the seasoned regulars, the ‘Berry has been a playground and a second home to many.

Landlords may come and go, and refurbishments change its image, but the ‘Berry never seems to wane in popularity – as newly appointed bar manager, Peter Tranter, discovered.

“I’ve been bar manager once before but nowhere as busy as this,” he says. “I’m enjoying the new challenge – I do everything!” Peter has worked at the pub for three years but took over the helm in December when previous landlords, Diane and Steve Hogan moved on.

Working and living on site has given him a real insight into the demands of running a busy, modern pub. “I have to cover the kitchen, the bar, serve the food, do the cellar work and general cleaning as well,” he says.

The post-Christmas lull is finally giving him time to find his feet and make his mark ahead of the next peak periods.

“The menu will be changed at the beginning of March,” he says. “We’ll have more seasonal dishes. We serve from noon to 9pm and you can have anything from a snack to a full meal.”

The next big date in the pub’s calendar is Mother’s Day. “We get very busy so if people want a table they will have to book, the same with Easter Sunday.”

Another event in the pipeline is a charity fundraiser for Alice’s Escapes.

Peter explains: “Alice Pyne’s cousin works here and her other cousin used to work here so Alice’s Escapes is a charity close to our hearts.”

The Strawberry also hosts an annual casino night to raise money for the David Cole Oncology Training Fund and the children’s therapy centre at Furness General Hospital.

Football and rugby supporters can catch the main fixtures live on the pub’s plasma screens. There’s also a ladies’ darts team and quiz nights and karaoke.

Real ales include the regulars, Greene King’s IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Old Golden Hen, plus a monthly special.

l IF you would like your pub to be considered for our Pub of the Week feature, please call Claire on 01229 840142 or email claire.crisp@cnmedia.co.uk

First published at 16:42, Friday, 15 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk