THE OWNERS of a new bar are raising a glass to the future after expanding their business.

Blackedge Brewing Company, based in Horwich, found success with its Brewery Bar, in Hampson Street, off Lee Lane, and has now expanded into Westhoughton.

The Brewery Tap, in Market Street, opened its doors on Friday and was quickly filled with beer lovers hoping to try something new.

Blackedge Brewery was first started by business partners Wayne Roper and Shaun Reynolds in 2011.

Mr Roper was absolutely delighted with how the opening weekend at the new bar went.

He said: "It was fantastic, absolutely brilliant.

"We were packed out and everyone came in and gave us fantastic feedback.

"We've spent a lot of time and effort on it and a lot of money on making it right and making it look comfortable and cosy and appealing.

"We're really happy with it so far."

The Brewery Bar is already well-loved by the community and was this year awarded Pub of the Year by Bolton’s Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

It is the second award to be handed to Blackedge after the company took home the coveted SIBA North West Independent Beer Awards 2018.

The competition is judged in a blind tasting by brewers and beer experts and said to be seen as “very much as the brewers’ choice awards in the industry”.

The Horwich firm took home Gold in the cask beer category with their ‘West Coast’ Pale Ale ­— an aromatic brew featuring punchy American hops.

The new Westhoughton premises, formerly used as a shopfront for Horwich Carpet’s, was granted a licence to sell alcohol and play live music after a town hall hearing in May.

The carpet shop has downsized, moving out of the Market Street building but keeping its connected Marsden Street store behind it.

The premises licence granted allows the tap bar to open until 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.