A BAR that has been open for just over a year has been named Bolton’s Pub of the Year for 2018.

The Beer School in Westhoughton opened its doors for the first time at its Market Street premises in October, 2016.

And now the popular establishment has been named pub of the year by the town’s branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (Camra).

Owner Rachel Birch said: “We are absolutely delighted. We have all worked very hard from the beginning to create a community feel.

“I think when we started, we were really different from anything else in the local area.

“So people were intrigued by us. We are not everybody’s cup of tea but we have had a lot of recognition in the town.

“We had a lot of support at our meeting with Camra. We are really made up.”

Miss Birch, aged 36, was formerly a teacher before she decided to open up the Beer School with her partner Steven Lowther, who previously worked at a recruitment firm.

They have lived in Westhoughton for the last 30 years and, when Miss Birch wanted a change in career, she decided to take a risk and pursue her dream. She found the empty premises in Market Street in early 2016 and opened the pub up in October that year.

The couple currently live together in St George’s Road, Daisy Hill.

She said: “This had been something we have wanted to do for a long time.”

Since it opened, Miss Birch said the pub has been welcomed by the community and has been going from strength to strength.

She said: “We are passionate about using local suppliers and breweries.

“We operate more like a beer festival because we do not have the same lineup. If it tastes good then we get it.”

The Beer School was one of several businesses that has opened up in Westhoughton in the last year.

Other places include Greek restaurant The Kitchen in Market Street and the new Argos store, which has opened up in Sainsbury’s in Cricketers Way.

The award will be presented on April 11.