We're in love with our pub!

WINDMILL licensees (from left) Mark Harold, Jason Parker and Tracy Harold

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A MARRIED couple are returning to the pub where they first met - to become its landlords.

It will be a labour of love for Failsworth residents Mark and Tracy Harold as they set out to transform The Windmill, on Lord Lane in Failsworth, which holds a special place in their hearts.

The pub has closed for a £250,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars that aims to turn it from run-down into a quality community local designed to serve the needs of the whole community.

Mark and Tracy have teamed up with the pub's former landlord Jason Parker to take it over.

The couple met at the pub as bar staff in 2005 and subsequently married.

They'd been saddened to see it lose its way in recent years but when they saw the lease was available, the trio decided to take it on and rebuild a great pub for their neighbourhood.

"We've all got very happy memories of The Windmill. We've made friends and Mark and I even married because of it," said Tracy. "I lived opposite as a teenager and remember it in its glory days when I used to go there with my mum and dad. This area is crying out for a good local where everyone can come together and enjoy good food and drink on their doorstep. All The Windmill needs is investment and a lot of TLC which we're determined to provide."

Inside the pub will be completely refurbished in a comfortable but contemporary style adding new seating areas and a fire to give it a cosier feel.

A new dining area and kitchen upgrade will enable the pub to serve homemade food all day. And a barista-quality coffee machine is being installed, with the new licensees hoping to extend the pub's opening hours to offer breakfast and early morning coffee. New TV screens, Sky TV and BT Sport will also be put in to allow sports screenings.

Outside, the pub will be fully renovated and redecorated. The exterior will be painted cream in keeping with the houses opposite, while new furniture and parasols and a children's play area will be added to the garden.

The trio are determined to put The Windmill on the map for the quality of its beer as well as its food and are installing a state-of-the-art dispense system in the cellar and offering cask ales. Other plans include the introduction of karaoke nights, themed food evenings and live entertainment.

The project is expected to take five weeks, with the pub scheduled to reopen at the end of October. New jobs will be created in the bar and kitchen, creating a team of 18 staff.

Jason said: "It may be my second time as The Windmill's licensee but it'll be like having a different pub when the work is completed. The plans are spectacular."

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars' managing director said: "We feel fortunate that such a committed and experienced team is taking on The Windmill as their own and working with us to revive its fortunes."