IT was described as being ‘completely different’ and was hoping to become the liveliest night spot in Farnworth.

In 1987 Scarlets showbar was preparing to open where staff would be expected to pull a pint one minute and entertain the next.

The former Rose and Crown pub had been transformed into the new ‘fun pub’ in a five-week redevelopment programme and a grand opening was planned just in time to catch the Christmas trade.

Tenants Walter and Karen Oakley had worked with brewers Whitbread's to create Scarlets which took its name from Gone With The Wind’s Scarlet O’Hara.

Karen said: “People are getting tired of typical fun pubs where staff are given a tambourine and a whistle and told to entertain.

“Scarlets will be radically different because we will provide quality live entertainment which will leave onlookers exhausted!”

Karen knew what she was talking about as she had worked in a host of fun pubs, cabaret clubs and bars across the North West as an entertainer before taking over the reins at Scarlets.

The showbar was recruiting around 20 local staff including those special performing bar staff.

Eye-catching costumes, designed and made by Karen were all ready and she had been around markets and bric-a-brac stalls for items to use as props.

Scarlets would have its own resident DJ Tony Casper who would also act as compere for the various acts.

Do you remember Scarlets? Did you see the ‘performing bar staff in action? If you have any photographs of a night out at Scarlets we’d love to share them and your recollections with Looking Back readers. Email your memories and photos to john.anson@nqnw.co.uk