A NEW nightlife and hospitality venue will open its doors in Workington this weekend, with the aim of bringing 'something new' to the town's entertainment scene.

Bees Knees, which is located in the former Chasers Bar on Washington Street, will open from 2pm this Saturday, May 6 just in time for the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Phillip James and John Ashley, who own a number of Bees Knees venues across Lancashire, took on the Phoenix Tavern in Maryport around April 2022, transforming the venue into the Tap Tavern.

After success in Maryport, the business partners have decided to expand in west Cumbria, taking on the former Chasers Bar in Workington and transforming it into a new nightlife venue and sports bar.

Work started on the new venue earlier this year, with the owners gearing up to open the doors after significant investment into the former disused nightclub.

Owner Phil said: "We are excited, looking forward to opening and hopefully we will have a busy weekend for the coronation weekend.

"I think it's very different to what Workington offers now for daytime and nightime.

"We have a good showing of sport, and we will have a shuffle board table, which won't be here on opening weekend, but should be here by the end of May. We will have pool tables, and just a little bit for everyone.

"The response has been excellent so far. I think people can see we have invested a substantial amount of money into the town to improve it.

"Whether it's people who don't come out and will just be driving past, the mural is something that makes you smile, rather than the derelict building it was before.

"Even if people don't come into the pub I think it's added to the town centre."

The new owners released a weekend dress code for the new venue last month, generating some controversy on social media.

This included restrictions such as no sportswear, workwear or dirty clothing.

Talking about the dress code, Phil said: "It's something that we do in every town, in every venue we have, we always have the exact response but it's a good way of promoting the business in a positive light, for the brand itself.

"Hopefully they will take it on board and come out dressed up for a night out."