NEW owners of a bar open for more than 15 years are catering for a slightly older crowd on Cleethorpes High Street – creating 15 jobs.
Harvey's Lounge and Kitchen opened last week with a strictly over-25s policy after a £250,000 refurbishment, taking on 15 employees, including a manager, bar workers and kitchen staff.
The building had been Mitchell's Bar since 1997 but, this summer, it was bought by Coach House pub owner David Butler.
Mr Butler is also behind The Wine Bar and Kitchen on Sea View Street, formerly Mercer's, which opened earlier this month.
The Sea View Street premises became Jose's, briefly, at the end of October before changing its name again.
Manager of Harvey's Andrew Fisher said a bar for older people is exactly what the resort needs.
Mr Fisher said: "There are plenty of bars for the 18-25 age group but nowhere older people can go and enjoy a nice drink in a safe and calm atmosphere. The surroundings are very nice and in-keeping with the boutique-style bar which the new owner is trying to create in this area."
But there will be no room for manoeuvre for younger people wanting to check out the exclusive new bar.
"It is a place for a more mature crowd and we will enforce the policy strictly," he added.
The bar is opening for drinks from 7pm at the moment and has a licence to serve until 2am.
However, Mr Fisher said they plan to "play it by ear" and will soon be opening in the daytime, serving a menu based mainly on Mediterranean food.
Those who went to the exclusive opening-night champagne reception on Thursday seemed to like the idea – and the new look.
Steve Higgins, 52, of Cambridge Street, said: "It's a really good idea for this area. Most of the pubs in Cleethorpes are full of younger people so people my age don't really come into the resort for a drink."
Mary Green, 64, of Primrose Way, said: "It's really nice inside – they've done a good job of doing it up. It will be a good place to come for women who want to go out together."
Sue Clark, 59, of Fieldhouse Road, said: "It is very impressive and exactly what the area needs – somewhere a bit upmarket.
"The bar is somewhere really nice that older people can go to on a special occasion."