CATERING expert Stuart Farnell’s latest venture is the picture of success — thanks to a winning collaboration with local artist Gerry Halpin.

Farnells Bar and Coffee Lounge has just opened in Chorley New Road, Horwich.

It boasts large examples of Mr Halpin’s vibrant and unusual abstract work — and it has caused quite a stir at the new venue.

Mr Farnell, who lives in Horwich with his wife, Paula, and two children, said: “I wanted something big and eye-catching for this very large wall in the coffee lounge area downstairs.

“My wife, who works for Guide Dogs for the Blind, had seen Gerry’s work on fundraising postcards for sale there and suggested his pictures for the upstairs bar.

"So I’d already got some local landscapes for that when I asked his opinion about the open wall space downstairs.

"He suggested some photographs of his original large paintings, and they work a treat.”

Mr Halpin MBE is a former head of art at Rivington and Blackrod High School.

He left to pursue a much-acclaimed career as an artist. He has had numerous successful exhibited work around the country and is a trustee of the Manchester Academy of Fine Art.

The coffee lounge pictures — based on photos of landscapes he took from a plane — were turned into giant canvases by David Ruaux of Ruaux Photographers based in Bolton.

They provide a fascinating backdrop for the new venture which is the latest in a long list of positive catering experiences for Mr Farnell.

Born in Worsley, he started his career as a chef at the Victoria & Albert Hotel in Manchester.

He moved into banqueting and worked at the Georgian House Hotel near Blackrod before going back to the V & A as banqueting manager.

A lengthy spell at the Copthorne Hotel at Salford Quays was followed by helping set up the famous Northcote Manor’s catering arm and working in corporate catering at Blackburn Rovers FC.

He then moved to do a similarly successful job at Stoke City FC before going on to cater at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. His next move was to Harrogate International Conference Centre.

He added: “I wanted to do something for myself and so looked around for premises nearer to home.”

He spotted the empty former party shop in Chorley New Road and has now transformed it into a smart bar and coffee lounge.

He said: “I wanted to stock something a little different like craft beers and affordable wines and I’ve found some local micro-breweries.

“I don’t do draught or spirits but I certainly wouldn’t rule them out if people wanted them.”