A TOWN centre bar is hoping to recreate the buzz of Barcelona by bringing a continental flavour to Bolton.

Bosses of Red On The Square are looking to turn a small area off Bradshawgate into a hive of activity with people drinking and eating outside while watching the world go by.

Tables sheltered by umbrellas would, if the plans are accepted, be placed on top of the underground toilets in Nelson Square.

Customers would be served by waiters and waitresses while -- hopefully -- soaking up the summer sun.

Simon Taylor, area manager of Red on the Square owners Thwaites Inns, said: "If you go abroad to places like Barcelona and Amsterdam, pavement cafes are a way of life.

"We came to this area of Bolton on the understanding that we would be able to achieve this in Nelson Square.

"It is our intention to continue to provide for a quality clientele but in an outdoor setting. It wouldn't be unlike Deansgate Locks in Manchester and hopefully it will help to attract people away from that city."

Mr Taylor said Nelson Square was not unlike Las Ramblas in Barcelona which has a pavement area in between two roads.

The tables would be either modern aluminium or, if Bolton Council requested a theme more in keeping with the area, of wood to give the space a Victorian theme.

A barrier would be placed around the "beer garden".

It is likely to be open until 8pm each night during the summer when food would cease to be served.

Mr Taylor said: "We've spent one-and-half-million pounds on Red On The Square and we would like to expand the bar that little bit more.

"The Council has spent £120,000 placing cobbles around the square and on renovating the area and it seems to us to be a perfect setting for a cafe."

There have been a number of objections to the scheme according to a council spokesman.