Ashby's Lyric Rooms venue is under new management - and has a real family feel to it. 

Matthew and Vanessa Perkins - along with daughters' Celleste and Fleur - are now the new owners after Jayne Mansfield, who was in charge for more than 30 years, handed over the reins last month. 

They now plan to add even more events at the Lyric Rooms, with a long term aim of making it a wedding venue, using the full potential of the stunning 300-year-old chapel, nestled at the rear of the premises. 

Its main stage has allowed a string of comedy stars to come to Ashby over the years and it is regarded by many top acts as one of the best comedy club shows in the country and has featured Sarah Millican, Rhod Gilbert, Josh Widdicombe, Nina Conti and even a secret appearance by Jasper Carrott! 

That is a reputation the Perkins family aims to continue - but they also want to make the most of the fact that they feel the town has no other place quite like it. 

The mix of dining and entertainment has been established over the past three decades.

The Appleby Magna family, who are well known in the Midlands as wine merchants, were regular suppliers to the Lyric Rooms - which is how they knew about the opportunity coming up created by Jayne's departure. 

They have hit the ground running with Autumn and Winter shows already selling out, so they have had to add even more to the calendar to accommodate the level of bookings and enquiries. 

 Matt and Vanessa said: "We are striving hard to maintain the very high standards that Jayne has developed and built up over 35 years. 

"It's a tough act to follow but thankfully, Jayne has been instrumental in guiding us initially as this is a very unique and quirky business that simply cannot be viewed like any other. 

"We are also very lucky that all of Jayne's staff have stayed on at the Lyric Rooms, so we have a fantastic team around us, to help move the business forward. 

"We want to attract new guests to The Lyric Rooms while welcoming back all of the wonderful locals and local businesses who have supported this superb venue over the years. 

"We're not going to reinvent the wheel, but the extensive refurbishment has been very well received and we simply cannot wait to develop more themed events over many years."