The owners of The Continental have continued their expansion as another Preston venue has been bought.

Following the purchase and continuing conversion of the former Co-Operative head office on Ormskirk Road the Continental owners have bought the Mad Ferret.

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Jeremy Rowlands, co-owner of New Continental Properties, confirmed they had completed a deal to take over one of Preston’s live music institutions on Fylde Road.

Mr Rowlands said they were planning to keep the ethos of The Ferret, which has seen the likes of Ed Sheeran, Alt-J and Frightened Rabbit in recent years. the same – but will drop the ‘Mad’ from titles to become The Ferret.

A full refurbishment of the venue is planned including moving the stage to open up more space for watching bands.

There is also expected to be more of a focus on food in the venue.

The Ferret will close its doors on Tuesday 27 August for the refurbishment and expected to re-open in early September.

Meanwhile, the conversion of Ormskirk Road into a new pub is continuing and Mr Rowlands says it will be open by the end of the year.

What do you think of the news? Do you go to the Mad Ferret? Let us know in the comments below