CORONATION Street's brassy barmaid Liz McDonald has finally got her hands on her own pub - for real.

And despite spending years working behind the bar in the soap, actress Bev Callard had to go on a course to learn how to do the job properly.

Along with her partner Jon McEwan, she has bought the landmark White Horse pub, on Gilda Brook Road, near Eccles town centre, and plans to open on Bonfire Night.

Bev, 47, wants her own pub to be slightly more classy than the Rovers Return. The couple aim to provide top class food and entertainment in a family friendly pub with an over 25s policy only for non-diners.

A stage and professional lighting rig have been installed for comedians and bands.

She said: "We are going all out to create a menu that will offer something different from the normal pub grub fare.

"Starting with breakfasts from 9.00am, food will be served all day. We want to make Sunday a family day with traditional roast dinners served from noon with the emphasis on making it an enjoyable time for all the family."

Bev, who recently revealed she is to become a grandmother, owns a home near Marbella in Spain and spends much of her time there, but she is expected to take a hands-on role in her new pub.

Partner Jon said: "We have bought the pub from the brewery, Robinsons, and I can't wait to open. It will definitely be upmarket compared to the Rovers. We are aiming to bring a bit of class to Eccles."

He added: "I ran a pub and restaurant in Spain for two years but we have both had to go on a course organised by the brewery.

"I was on one for a week and Bev has done an intensive two-day one. You learn everything from cellar management to dealing with the Inland Revenue, health and safety, and ordering stock."

neal.keeling@men-news.co.uk

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