He might only be young, but Matt Andrews has some big ideas for one of west Lancashire’s oldest and best known pubs!

“I can’t wait to re-open the next chapter of The Kicking Donkey,” he told QLocal’s Roger Blaxall as he took a well earned lunchtime break with family and friends as renovation of ‘The Kicker’ gathers pace.

Matt grew up in Ormskirk before moving away to France for two years, before attending university in Sheffield. After graduating, he did work experience in several prestigious kitchens (including Tom Kerridge's The Hand and Flowers, and Heston Blumenthal's The Hinds Head), before working at a 1 Michelin star kitchen in Derbyshire - Fischer's at Baslow Hall.

“After this, I put down my chef's knife and worked as a pub manager for Brunning and Price, who have The Sparrowhawk in Formby, and the Red Fox on The Wirral,” said Matt, pictured front, left.

“When I saw the Kicker come on the market, I just had to go for it. I'm a very positive and cheery chap, I love all things food and drink, seriously love meeting people and looking after them, and can't wait to re-open!

He said it’s going to be an ‘elegant yet comfortable’ place to meet, eat and chat with good friends and family.

“We're working hard to refurbish the pub to get as much natural light in as possible and make it feel a lot more spacious, without losing the marvellous character of the old, cosy building.

“There'll be no TVs, no loud music, no pool tables or gambling machines - just loads of space to both drink and eat in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as several little corners to hide away in all day with a big coffee/brandy and a book,” he went on.

“We will be serving delicious local, seasonal food all freshly prepared, as well as having some cracking real ales and lagers, stunning wines, a back bar crammed full of spirits and much more.

“For the summer, we've got a beautiful south-facing garden for those evening G&Ts and a barbecue or two, and when things turn chilly we'll have three roaring log-fires for those cosy, winter get-togethers.

And if you fancy a job at The Kicker, pop down with your CV.

“I'm looking for experienced bar and kitchen staff to work in this extremely positive and dynamic working environment, to be part of a highly friendly team who love their food and drink and enjoy looking after people,” he added.

Good Luck and I look forward to visiting for lunch in the near future but, please don't call it The Kicker.