Alexandra, Darwen

Lisa Jennings, Business Development Manager, is looking for a hands on, community led operator who will be highly visible within the business and set the standard by leading from the front. Due to the nature of the site, we are seeking someone with proven experience in running a similar style of community wet led pub. The ideal operator will have a strong focus on driving wet sales, with a clear emphasis on live sport, pub games, and building a consistent weekly rhythm of midweek and weekend activity. They will be proactive in engaging with the local community, developing strong relationships, and establishing multiple darts and pool teams to encourage repeat custom and regular trade. A key part of the role will be making full use of all trading areas, including the enhanced beer garden, to maximise dwell time and overall revenue. The successful applicant will be well organised, and confident in building a structured, high-performing operation.

Proper Pubs are excited to introduce you to the Alexandra in Darwen! We are investing a whopping £323,000 on the pub which will transform both the internal and external appearance, making it the go to community pub in Darwen.

The Alexandra is located in Darwen, a traditional Lancashire town within Blackburn. The immediate area is a residential neighbourhood made up largely of older terraced housing, with a strong sense of local community. It’s close to the town centre and Darwen railway station, giving decent links to bigger towns like Blackburn and Manchester, while also being near green spaces such as the West Pennine Moors. Overall, it’s an affordable area with good connectivity.

Pub Layout

The Alexandra is a strong, community led local designed to trade across multiple parts, maximising footfall from morning through to late evening. By day, it offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for casual catch ups and steady community trade, supported by easy access and friendly, efficient service. From late afternoon into evening, the pub transitions into a lively social hub, with the central bar driving strong after work trade and flexible seating catering for both groups and couples. Evenings bring a more energetic feel, with games areas and sports led zones encouraging dwell time and attracting teams and fans, while quieter seating areas provide balance for more relaxed visits. At weekends, the Alexandra becomes a true destination pub, blending social drinking, sport, and community occasions, with the beer garden adding a strong seasonal draw and extended trading capacity.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is located on the first floor and consists of four bedrooms, office, family bathroom, kitchen and lounge.

Security deposit: £2,000

Estimated Annual Turnover (Net):

No rent applicable on this agreement

This opportunity is for you to run your pub as a self-employed manager. Admiral Taverns take care of all the running costs including rates, utilities, stock, public liability and day to day running costs whilst you take home 18.5% of the net weekly sales, all employment costs relating to your staff and any council tax and TV licence for the residential quarters.

All new operators have comprehensive free training as part of their agreement.

• STRIVE- The Proper Pubs way.   Held online over one day, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.
• E-Learning Training for you and your staff. Featuring more than 30 courses for both you and your staff, you’ll have access to a wide range of topics from Compliance, Health and Safety to Personal Development and Wellbeing.