DESPITE ongoing issues in the hospitality industry one popular town centre pub will be getting a new lease of life - with six employees keeping their jobs thanks to a change in ownership.

Since taking on management of the White Bear in 2023, Michael Duke has seen the town centre business face countless struggles as it was passed between different owners.

But now, along with his partner Sarah Green, they have taken the business over as part of their new company MCR Pub Co Solutions, with plans to ‘make the White Bear great again’.

“We’re bringing back live music after our last owner put a stop to it,” Michael told the Chronicle.

“Then we’re going to introduce new drink offers and we’ve started with a new menu.

“I’m a chef myself so I worked on the menu and we brought a full time chef in to bring food back to the pub.”

Renovation work is also set to take place in the coming months, ahead of bigger plans in summer.

While visitors may be happy to hear about these changes, it’s staff who were most relieved when Michael made the announcement.

All six employees were told they’d be keeping their jobs, with a further four people hired for new roles.

“The White Bear is one of the most iconic pubs in Barnsley,” Michael added.

“We want to make it a place people can come and enjoy - with great food, live music and weekly entertainment.”