A new manager has taken over a pub in Middleton and has vowed to make it "thrive" with a fresh new menu, live acts, loyalty card schemes and more.

The Middleton Archer Pub and Function Room on Kemp Street bid farewell to Andrew and Danny on January 11 this year after an "epic" 10-year stint steering the ship. 

A new manager, Kai, said he promptly took over the alehouse - and in the past week has already introduced some popular changes.

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In a post on social media, Kai said he hopes to make Andrew and Danny "proud" and "continue on their great work".

The post added: "They have created such a beautiful community within the pub and we know they will be greatly missed.

"I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say good luck to you both and we wish you all the success in the future.

"You're always welcome back if you ever fancy a pint.

"Thank you for all the help you have given us for the smoothest handover ever and thank you from everyone at The Archer for everything you have done.

"We have some great big boots to fill and we hope that you can all continue to support The Archer in its new ventures."

The Middleton Archer then announced its "grand reopening" on Friday, January 12, with a fresh new menu, including an Archer Burger, which Kai said he is "obsessed" with, and a "stunning" homemade Biscoff cheesecake which were flying out on launch day.

Kai added: "Without looking like I'm blowing The Archers trumpet, these meals are to die for."

Sunday roasts are also on the menu and will be launched today (Sunday, January 21), costing £11.95 for a traditional gammon, beef or chicken roast, £14.95 for a large plate or £10.95 for a vegetarian option.

Meanwhile, children can tuck into a mini roast for just £6.95.

But that's not all that's underway at the adored pub as Kai announced a return of the "wonderful Archer quiz" and bingo night every Wednesday and karaoke on Sundays.

Loyal customers can also get their hands on a Middleton Archer loyalty card to grab discounts on food, drinks and even special events.

Reflecting on the first week at the helm of the ship, Kai said: "I have to admit it has been a stressful one to say the least.

"The lads that have now moved on have been our crutch during the process, making it as informative and easy as they could, to which we are very grateful.

"I have made many changes to the place in the hope to help it thrive."

Kai said the Middleton Archer "has really become a warm and welcoming community pub" for the last 10 years, "and I want to ensure that it stays this way".

However, the boss said prices have increased in order for the pub to stay afloat.

Kai added: "Unfortunately, I have had to make the very difficult decision to increase the prices way more than I would have wanted.

"However, if I did not then we just simply wouldn't survive the first three months, let alone a year.

"We are now sitting at the minimum of a 40 per cent GP margin. This is the bottom line to ensure survival.

"We are tied to J W Lees on drinks which restricts the minimum price we can charge.

"However, we hope to offset this with different things such as drinks deals, food deals, loyalty cards schemes and so on.

"We still have the amazing staff and additionally we have an exceptional chef. We plan to keep the quiz and Sunday club as well as the live acts and more.

"I hope that you can bear with me as I take on this journey to ensure the survival of our local pub.

"My name is Kai and I will greet you as strangers and hope that you all leave as friends.

"Let's avoid negativity and encourage positivity."

Have you got a story? Get in touch by emailing Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @Livbridge