Familiar faces behind The Rock Box set to bring Blackburn’s Ribblesdale pub back to life

The historic Northgate pub opposite King George’s Hall is preparing to reopen, with Karen and Andy Joss promising a traditional pub atmosphere and a new place for Blackburn town centre visitors to enjoy.

One of Blackburn town centre’s most recognisable pubs is making a comeback, with the couple behind The Rock Box preparing to reopen the historic building at 35 Northgate as The Ribblesdale Pub.

Karen and Andy Joss, who have run The Rock Box on King William Street for eight years, are taking on the 19th-century building, with their bar manager Robyn Duxbury set to run the new venture.

The plans will bring back a traditional pub offering a selection of lagers, cask ales, wines and spirits, alongside a pool table, jukebox and friendly atmosphere.

The building has been known by several names over the years, including the Ribblesdale Hotel, Gladstone’s and Baroque. Karen and Andy say they wanted the new name to acknowledge its history and the kind of pub they hope to create.

The couple said they had listened carefully to what people wanted from the venue and were determined to bring a traditional pub back to the building.

Their plans include creating somewhere for visitors to enjoy a drink before a performance at King George’s Hall, while also encouraging people to visit other pubs and businesses around Blackburn town centre.

The reopening comes as the area around King George’s Hall undergoes significant change following its £13.5 million refurbishment. Blackburn with Darwen Council says it is also in final talks with prospective tenants for two neighbouring restaurants, as part of wider investment in the town’s Cultural Quarter.

The Ribblesdale building itself has been restored through the Blakey Moor Townscape Heritage project, with Karen, Andy and their team now redecorating ahead of its reopening.

The pub’s new branding will feature a lion inspired by Blackburn’s historic Lion Brewery, another nod to the town’s brewing and pub heritage.

Karen and Andy hope their new venture will encourage people to rediscover Blackburn’s town centre pubs and support the businesses already operating nearby.

They said: “We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome everyone in – old faces and new.”

An opening date for The Ribblesdale Pub is expected to be announced soon.