A BARROW bar is preparing to open a room that has been left disused for over two decades.

The Derby Inn on Dalton Road has transformed an upstairs room to provide a "quirky" and "modern" space for people to host private functions.

Pub owner Gary Wood said: "The room used to be a function room over 20 odd years ago when it was called The Boulevard.

"The room is going to be stylish and quirky with different decor to anywhere else and we are going to host private functions, music events, conferences, everything you can think of.

"We have already got three wedding night dos booked in for next year!"

Mr Wood said he decided to open the room because himself and manageress Melissa have lots of experience in private functions, so it felt like the "right thing to do".

He said: "I have been wanting to do it for years, but I took over the pub on my own just over three years ago and I can make my own decisions now - it's always been on top of my list to do, it's a no brainer really.

"We have been working on the room since May, we took the existing bar out to put a new one in to make more room in the actual venue, and there is a room that we have totally transformed into toilets.

"The room can probably hold around 80-100 people.

"I think it will be popular, there's not many function rooms in Barrow now.

"It's something a bit different, the decor will be very quirky and modern and it's really nice with big arched windows in it.

"The building has a lot of history, it is an old building, and it is nice to be able to revitalise part of it. It would have been a massive waste to leave it.

"We are fortunate enough to be able to do it now."

It is hoped the suite will open next month.

To find out more about the event suite and how you can hire it, call The Derby Inn on: 01229 826592