A BARRY nightspot owner is set to unveil the latest element of his split-level venue - although technically he will not be allowed in because he is too young.
Michael Ruckley is set to reveal the over 30's floor of his Broad Street club on Friday, but he is only 28.
Mr Ruckley and his business partner, 33-year-old Scott Walters, set about converting the old Railway Club last year.
They quickly opened an over-21's bar and nightclub on the lower floor of the renovation, and ,on Friday, they will officially open phase two - the first over 30s club in Barry.
To mark the occasion, the pair - who are already experienced club promoters - have booked ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ star Mario Falcone to inject some celebrity sparkle on Sunday March 27.
They said they hope to “bring the nightlife back” for the older generation.
Mr Ruckley said: “We are really excited about the opening. It has taken longer than expected and in fairness the over 30’s crowd has patiently waited for the bar and shown great support for the opening. We wanted to keep a flavour of the old railway club too and even refurbished the old signage and installed it in the bar.
“The build went to plan to a certain extent and we only spent three times the original budget which was nice. Who would have thought turning a 100-year-old social club into a posh bar and nightclub would be expensive?
Where the nightclub is:
“We got there in the end and the bar is now equipped.
“Myself and my business partner Scott have spent a lot of time in Essex and really enjoy the atmosphere, that’s why we have decided to bring Mario down to Barry as we know the ladies love a bit of TOWIE.
"The plan is to bring a famous face or two down to Barry every couple of weeks and keep the town of Bazra entertained.”
The new bar boasts booth seating, HD Sky TV showing live sporting events on 60 inch TV’s, a pool table, digital jukebox, multiple beers and bitters on draught, and live music.
The old skittle is also set to be given the modern day treatment.
Mr Ruckley said: “I know skittles are a bit ‘old skool’ but we have had a lot of people asking about it and I have never seen a skittle ally look like Hollywood Bowl before. That’s the plan and that will be ready in time for the season.
"Thanks to the whole Cocoa Crispy crew for their amazing help with the scheme, from start to finish."
The Cocoa Nightclub downstairs is open on weekends with over 18’s on Friday and over 21’s on Saturday.
BarCocoa, upstairs, is open seven days a week with the normal pub age restriction Monday to Friday and the over 30’s on Friday and Saturday night.
For details, visit http://www.barcocoa.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here