Intertain, the bar operator, reopened its Walkabout bar in Blackpool City Centre last night following a fire that destroyed the venue earlier in the year.
The £3m redevelopment sees new bars, a new menu and an outdoor balcony overlooking the town incorporated.
The reopening also sees the original Walkabout team reunited as 18 members of staff who, following the fire worked in local bars or at other Walkabouts across the UK, return to work. In addition, the re-development has created 43 new roles.
The ground floor has become home to a ‘Reef Bar’ where linked-screens project under-sea footage, giving the impression of being in a Great Barrier Reef-like underwater paradise.
An additional ground-floor bar features a whole wall filled with authentic Australian beers, whilst concertina windows at the front of the building open onto the street, creating an ‘al-fresco’ atmosphere for diners to enjoy Walkabout’s new food and drink menu.
With downstairs having a relaxed, dining focussed ambience, the first floor has been redesigned to host the venue’s regular club and party nights. In place of the balcony area which used to overlook the ground floor, a new mezzanine floor houses a large dance floor with state of the art sound and lighting.
John Leslie, chief executive of Intertain said “It’s been a tough few months, but I’m thrilled we’ve been able to reopen the venue as quickly as we have. This is testimony to the hard work and superb spirit of the whole team, of whom we are immensely proud. This refurbishment will see Walkabout reclaim its title as Blackpool’s number one spot for parties, great food and live sport.”
