THE new owner of a Barrow bar and music venue has revealed his plans for the popular pub and music venue.

Gaz Wood, who runs The Derby Inn, has now taken the helm at The Odd Frog in Duke Street.

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

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Mr Wood said he has been looking to expand for a while.

He said: "I ended up chatting to the owners of the Odd Frog - they were looking to sell.

"We do a function room in The Derby and it is really popular. We're turning away bookings so I wanted somewhere else where I can do private bookings."

Having worked in the hospitality industry for 24 years, Mr Wood has an extensive background in organising live music events in Barrow. 

He said: "The whole thing just fit really - it is the kind of place I wanted."

Mr Wood said The Odd Frog closing down would be sad for the town as there are not many music venues for performers to play at in the town.

Talking about future plans, Mr Wood said: "Plans wise I did not want the place to shut so I have kept it open, kept the staff and we are running it (The Odd Frog) as it is for now.

"In four weeks or so we are going to close it for a week or two, redecorate, rebrand and relaunch it.

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"When we relaunch it is going to be a live music and events venue. We will be doing a lot of private hire parties too."

Mr Wood said he 'aims to continue the food work of Andrew and Lisa and build on it'.

Since the announcement, Mr Wood said he had been 'overwhelmed' by the support he has received from residents of Barrow.

He said: "I didn't expect that much support, the support has been overwhelming it has been really good."