A record shop owner is set to reopen a live music bar that was much-loved by Bolton in the past.

Steven Meekings, the owner of the longstanding X Records on Bridge Street in Bolton, has secured a deal to reopen the former Blind Tiger on Nelson Square as a live music venue after American moonshine bar 51Fifty, which was in its place, struggled to stay afloat since opening in December last year.

The new venue will be called The Bourbon Room and will serve as the "go-to rock-punk bar" in town.

Steven said: “As most of you know, Bolton has no proper live music venues to speak of, and I want to change that for the better, for us all.

“I have contacts with most of - if not all the major record companies and hundreds of established and upcoming bands of all genres, and I want to put those bands on in this venue that has historically been popular for live music.”

But while Steven has started the work to transform the space, he needs help to fund the interior.

He said: “The deal for the building is done, I have secured virtually everything for the interior, including a sweet PA system, loads of artwork, lots of stage lighting etc.

“I just need some extra funding to finish the deal off, and that’s why I am asking the good people of Bolton and its surroundings.

“In short, I need to build a stage, and change the lighting scheme for the main band viewing area, kit out the bar with fridges and put some carpets down to aid with the acoustics.”

The Blind Tiger closed on April 21 in 2018 while 51Fifty took its place, which served a range of drinks paying homage to "moonshine" alcohol.

It was kitted out with TVs showing American football, and motorbikes on display with pool tables and a pinball machine.

Unfortunately, the American bar didn’t do well in Bolton and led to a change in owners.

At the new venue everyone that donates will receive a membership card, which will give discounted rates on entry and other special offers in the venue, including access to a VIP area to allow access right at the front of the new stage.

A crowdfunding appeal has been launched on GoFundMe to help with the launch of the bar.

To donate to it click here.