The pub – one of only two owned by Keighley brewer Timothy Taylor in Lancashire – is closed for refurbishment until Friday.

When it reopens, managers Rachel Winters and Simon Hunnam intend to make the lively town centre pub the number one sports and entertainment venue in Colne.

The new-look Shepherds will have the largest TV screen in Colne, supported by five other plasma televisions positioned around the pub.
This will be backed by a state-of-the-art sound system to create a big-match atmosphere.

The walls will be adorned with signed memorabilia of sporting greats such as Pele, Ryan Giggs and Ricky Hatton. Rachel and Simon are also introducing new ideas, including discounts on selected products and creating two new membership clubs.

A vodka club where members can try different flavoured vodkas in their own unique glass, and a team support club where cardholders earn rewards for their favourite sports or social club team.

Once the refurbishment is complete, Rachel and Simon also intend to reintroduce food to the Shepherds with a new menu, served daily from noon to 10 p.m.

At the weekends, the Shepherds will have live DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, when the pub will be open until 1 a.m.

Timothy Taylor's Marc Craddock said: "It is a few years since the Shepherds underwent a major refurbishment. The pub is very popular so natural wear and tear had taken its toll.

"This latest update will ensure the Shepherds is a smart modern venue where people can enjoy a really good night out or a relaxing bite to eat and drink at lunchtime."

On Wednesday, December 10th, Manchester United legend Norman Whiteside will be at the Shepherds from 7-30 p.m. for a sportsman's dinner and auction and afterwards he will be signing autographs in the bar.