Big news from Burnley! The iconic Penny Black venue is entering an exciting new era under a dynamic trio known for their hospitality magic. Get ready for vibrant weekends, live music, and unforgettable events. What fresh ideas will these local legends bring to your favourite spot?
A significant transition is underway for one of Burnley’s most distinguished establishments, the Penny Black venue, as a highly experienced trio from the local hospitality scene steps forward to usher in a new era. This pivotal development promises to invigorate the town’s social landscape, building upon the venue’s already solid reputation as a premier destination for entertainment and gatherings. The change in leadership is set to introduce fresh perspectives and dynamic plans for the cherished space, signalling an exciting chapter for the future of entertainment in the area.
After five successful years, sisters Yasmin and Natalie Nawaz are gracefully stepping down from their stewardship of Penny Black to pursue other ventures. However, the legacy of this iconic building remains very much within the family. Their father, Madge Nawaz, a well-known figure within the Burnley hospitality scene, will now helm the venue alongside his esteemed partners, Gaz Ali and Craig Kennedy. This familial continuity, combined with new expertise, ensures a smooth yet progressive evolution for the much-loved location.
The newly formed triumvirate brings an impressive collective wealth of experience to the Penny Black takeover. Madge Nawaz and Gaz Ali are the successful proprietors of Remedy nightspot, a bustling bar located on Ormerod Street that has been a central fixture of Burnley’s town centre for over a decade. Their proven track record in managing thriving entertainment establishments bodes well for the future direction of Penny Black, promising a blend of seasoned management and innovative vision.
Beyond their operational acumen, the trio boasts extensive experience in the entertainment sector, further enhancing Penny Black’s potential as a vibrant cultural hub. Both Madge and Gaz possess over 40 years of combined experience as professional DJs, while Madge and Craig have more than 15 years in event organisation under their belts. Madge is particularly renowned as the driving force behind the hugely popular Live and Bands in the Park events, and Craig is celebrated for hosting the dynamic Drop the Beat music festival, positioning the venue to become a leading Burnley entertainment venue.
Expressing their enthusiasm, Madge Nawaz articulated the group’s overarching vision: “We are incredibly excited to take over the reins of Penny Black. We love what we do and this beautiful building, located in the heart of the town centre, has built up a solid reputation. Our primary aim is to attract more people into Burnley, and we are eager to collaborate with other local venues to achieve this collective goal.” This commitment to community engagement underscores their ambition to elevate the town’s appeal.
The strategic plans for Penny Black revolve around establishing it as a versatile day and night-time destination, particularly on weekends. The front bar will be open from afternoon into the evening, offering an inviting atmosphere for socialising and relaxation. Patrons can look forward to a diverse program of live music, intimate acoustic sets, and engaging DJ performances, catering to those who desire quality entertainment and social connection without extending into the very ‘small hours’, enhancing the Lancashire nightlife experience.
A key focus for the new management is also to significantly expand the venue’s capabilities as a dedicated function space. Penny Black has already gained popularity for hosting a variety of private events, including weddings, christenings, baby showers, and birthday parties. Madge affirmed their commitment to offering comprehensive wedding packages designed to suit all budgets, ensuring the wedding venue Lancashire is accessible and reasonably priced for the local community, catering to a wide array of celebratory needs.
The grade-two listed Edwardian building itself presents a compelling canvas for their ambitions. Its single-level layout and expansive outdoor entertaining area are considered significant assets by Madge, highlighting the venue’s inherent versatility for any event. Ahead of the official handover on Saturday, September 6th, a subtle refurbishment is planned, including the striking detail of painting the imposing original entrance doors a pillar box red, a nod to the building’s historic connection to the post office. A refreshed wine, gin, prosecco, and cocktail menu will also be unveiled to delight guests.
This exciting new chapter for Penny Black, driven by a team with profound dedication and expertise in the local business news of hospitality, promises to rejuvenate a cherished Burnley landmark. With a clear vision for enhanced offerings, community collaboration, and a commitment to quality, the venue is poised to reinforce its position as a cornerstone of the town’s vibrant social and entertainment fabric, inviting residents and visitors alike to discover its renewed charm.
