A POPULAR Barrow pub and music venue has changed hands.

The Odd Frog will now see Gaz Wood at the helm of operations as Jason Berry and Andrew Turner revealed they had ceased ownership of the establishment as of July 20.

The Duke Street venue was set up in July 2018 by Andrew and his wife Lisa Turner, and local musician and businessman Jason.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Jason took the time to thank those they worked with through the years, referencing a particularly difficult time period for the pub in which they faced permanent closure due to financial pressures brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Please can we take this opportunity to thank all those whom we've worked with through the years and of course, never forgetting those of you that helped save us from imminent closure at our Respawn event in 2021,” said Jason.

A fundraising event was held to raise the needed funds to prevent Odd Frog from closing, with the community rallying around to save the popular location.

Jason said: “It really has been an honour to bring something new to the town. We know just how much the place means to our loyal supporters and our amazing staff.

“It's for these reasons that we must do what is right and pass the torch on to someone we know and trust will bring the best out of the venue.

“It was extremely important to us that whoever took over would keep our staff on and keep live music playing. We've been assured by the new owner, Mr Gaz Wood, that will be the case.

“Along the way, we've been blessed to meet friends for life, see some of the most sensational acts and worked with the most incredibly loyal, hardworking and creative team.

“Of course, we've had plenty of tough moments - but we'll only remember the good times.”

“We have no doubt that you'll all get behind Gaz and give him all the support that you've given us over the years. What a ride it's been.”