A town centre cafe and bar has reopened after a revamp - and hopes to entice visitors with a new menu, drinks and events.
Albert Bar and Cafe reopened at the weekend with a new menu featuring charcuterie boards and more drinks on draught.
It celebrated its relaunch with a special Sip and Paint session, where hobby artists could paint a Highland Cow while enjoying drinks.
David Harasiwka, Food and Beverage Manager at Bolton Council, said: “We’re trying to raise the quality of what we offer.
“Before, we only had one beer on draught, San Miguel.
"Now we’ve brought in Guinness, one of the most popular beers in the UK, Grand Central IPA and Inch’s Cider.
“As for the charcuterie boards, I'm half Italian and wanted to share the food I’ve grown up with.”
The bar and cafe will continue its monthly Sip and Paint sessions – and promises more unique events to come.
David said: “We’re going to have scheduled events on that are a bit unusual.
“Including some larger ones upstairs, like themed bingo nights and one for Valentine’s Day.
“We want to highlight small businesses with something unique to offer – Sip and Paint is run by a husband-and-wife business called Brush and Tipple.
“We aim to give people a reason to come to the town centre at times when there is a dip.
“Most events will run between noon and 6pm.
“They are meant to fill a gap where there are not that many people in the town centre. And give them a reason to come in.
“Hopefully, once they leave our events they’ll want to spend time in the other bars in the area.
“Town centre bars struggled a lot after the pandemic. And we’re not looking to step on any toes.”
Albert Bar and Cafe is within the Albert Halls, a popular wedding venue for many years, and this space hopes to be an accessible option for receptions.
David said: “People can have their reception here without paying excessive money for drinks. It’s a bit more approachable.
“We are looking into offering buffets, too.”
And Albert Halls punters can look forward some pre-show food.
David said: “For now it will be separate from the theatre.
“But we are hoping to open before theatre performances so people can have drinks, charcuterie and relax before the show.”
The Albert Bar and Café launched in November 2022, serving hot and cold drinks, including alcohol and introduced a food menu in 2023.
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