THE owner of a successful IT company is taking on a ‘sharp’ new idea.

Simon Atherton is bringing axe throwing to Bolton after seeing the sport’s rapid expansion abroad on a recent trip to the US.

The 51-year-old has set up his new venture, Real Axe, at a vacant unit at Dunscar Business Park, and will be providing upmarket cocktails and smoked food, with space for up to 300 people.

The transformation of the building has cost around £150,000 and has seen the creation of two distinct rooms, with one for axe-throwing and another for drinks and food.

The Bolton News:

“I always try and think outside the box and do something different to most people,” Mr Atherton explained.

“I run a web-based vehicle tracking system and I opened up an office in America.

“While I was there two axe throwing places opened in what were ten-pin bowling alleys.

“When I got back I found out there was a company that has three venues in the UK, but there aren’t any others.

“Those venues don’t serve alcohol or food and we thought it would be great for people to sit and talk after doing the axe-throwing, have a drink and enjoy some good food.”

The Bolton News:

Real Axe also has a cinema licence, meaning it can show films on a big screen soon after they are released nationally.

Once the venue opens on October 18 there will be live acts as well as music, with food available around a month later.

“The emphasis is on bringing Manchester centre to Bolton,” Mr Atherton added. “Our attention is on the entertainment side of things with the axe throwing, live acts and the music.

“It’s all about interaction and about keeping people smiling. We knew that we weren’t going to find trained axe throwers and it’s not rocket science so we have focused on personality. We’ve hired two people from a sports training background and two who used to be actors.”

Anyone interested in visiting Real Axe can book a lane for later this month at www.realaxe.co.uk.