A TOWN centre pub is hoping to be ranked Bolton's best – after teaming up with a taxi company.

DG Bar in Bradshawgate is now called Bar Metro 696969 after a unique new business venture with Bolton-based Metro Taxis.

Metro boss Nick Astley teamed up with his friend and landlord Johnathan Stowell to sponsor and rebrand the bar for an undisclosed amount – with the hope it will benefit both businesses.

The Bolton News:

He said: "We decided to help each other so I've sponsored the pub and named it Bar Metro 696969.

"It wasn't cheap sponsoring the pub and getting it painted, I wouldn't say I've got money to burn but you've got to persevere and be committed.

"Obviously it has created a stir and people are talking about it, which is what we've aimed to achieve.

"We thought it was quite funny and we hope the customers think it's funny. We want them to have a drink there and at the end of the night go home in a Metro Taxi. It's a win win situation for us both."

Landlord Mr Stowell said current licensee Sue Jolley would be heading up the new initiative and said the bar – named after the taxi firm's phone number – was applying for permission to open its doors earlier in the day and later at night.

Miss Jolley said: "I think a lot of people found it to be a bit of a shock but most seem positive about it. The town has really suffered over recent months and the last couple of years and we aim to give people something a bit different and bring them back to the area. Bolton has always been a good night out.

"I've explained to customers that it's about bringing it up to date, more promotions, exciting things going on and it can act as a pick up point for the taxis in the interest of public safety. We hope people see it as a good thing."

Punters will have been used to the bar taking various different forms over the years with the building taking several guises in its time, including a shop. It later became Irish bar Muldoons then Durty Nellys.

The Bolton News:

The boozer then dropped its Irish roots to become The Last Orders Inn but shut in 2009 before reopening as Durty Gurty's, which was then shortened to DG Bar.

This most recent unique business venture has seen it completely rebranded for the foreseeable future.

A deal has also been struck to benefit drinkers who chose to take a Metro Taxi to the watering hole, with offers and competitions running.