Temperance Bar Reopens its doors

Date published: 09/07/2008

Britain’s last surviving Temperance Bar Fitzpatrick’s has re opened its doors after being closed for four months of refurbishment. The re-opening of Fitzpatrick’s Temperance Bar of Rawtenstall took place on Saturday 5 April 2008. It was a great success and had many visitors, including the mayor.

Current owner Chris Law decided it was time to give the bar a revamp due to rotting of the floor and general damage as a result of drinks being spilled since the bar opened in 1890. Mr Law is only the third person outside of the Fitzpatrick family to own the temperance bar.

The Fitzpatrick family is the known leader of the temperance bar and have passed down their knowledge throughout the years, resulting in the bar selling their uniquely blended recipes in the Lancashire region.

The Rawtenstall Fitzpatrick’s is the only survivor from a chain of temperance bars set up by the Fitzpatrick family from Dublin in the 1800s. A new extended menu will also be available in conjunction with the new look of the temperance bar.

Fitzpatrick's of Rawtenstall is an accredited Temperance Bar and has been making soft drinks for the people of the Rossendale and the Lancashire regions for 116 years. The Temperance Bar was first established in 1890 and it was the Social outlet for many. Citizens of the British Empire would drink Sarsaparilla and Ginger beer and the Band of Hope children sang rousing songs about the demon drink.



The refurbishment is sure to guarantee many more years of success for the bar.



Mr Law, current owner of Fitzpatrick’s comments:



“It was important not to modernize the bar too much as the tradition is very important to our customers. The refurbishment will give the bar a fresh look and has also allowed us to add some new options to our menu as well as keeping our old traditions.”



Rossendale Tourism Champion Cllr Peter Steen added:



“Fitzpatrick’s is looking better than ever and the refit has given it a new lease of life. It’s one of the borough’s best known attractions and we hope they will go from strength to strength.”