VIP launch for the new Bluebird

Gina Campbell, daughter of speed king Donald Campbell, officially opened the newly-refurbished Bluebird Inn near Preston and brought along the record-breaker's cockpit mascot Mr Whoppit.
Gina Cambell with her father's mascot and (l-r) Peter Toft, general manager of the Bluebird Inn, Christopher Lees-Jones and William Lees-Jones.Gina Cambell with her father's mascot and (l-r) Peter Toft, general manager of the Bluebird Inn, Christopher Lees-Jones and William Lees-Jones.
Gina Cambell with her father's mascot and (l-r) Peter Toft, general manager of the Bluebird Inn, Christopher Lees-Jones and William Lees-Jones.

Gina pulled the first pint and told guests: ““My father would love this pub and would be looking down saying ‘have a pint for me.’”

The pub has been named after the jet engined hydroplane Bluebird in which Donald Campbell lost his life on Coniston Water trying to set a new world water speed record in 1967.

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The iconic craft, K7 Bluebird, was built by Samlesbury Engineering less than a mile from the pub now bearing its name.

Gina arrived at the opening with Mr Whoppit, the teddy bear mascot her father always carried in the cockpit of Bluebird during his record attempts.

She said; “We’re delighted that they have remembered the K7 Bluebird in Samlesbury where the engine was built.”

William Lees-Jones, managing director JW Lees said; “Donald Campbell and Sir Malcolm Campbell were heroes of mine. It’s a privilege that the family were happy for us to name this pub after the Bluebird.

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“We’re proud to return the pub to its former glory as a high-quality country inn. We’ve brought to life the charm and sophistication that was lost over the years along with great hospitality, fantastic beers and traditional food.

“A timeless pub like the Bluebird Inn needs fantastic people and we’ve got a great team.”

The Bluebird Inn has re-opened with a fantastic new identity and a transformed offer, providing top quality drinking and dining.

The 20 comfortable bedrooms have been redesigned to be in keeping with the character of the property and other JW Lees Inns.

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