A brand new bar is set to open in a Wiltshire town centre.
The Waverly will officially open its doors to the public for the first time in Chippenham Market Place at 5pm on Friday, August 9.
The town’s newest venue is being launched by Grizzly Bars, which owns the Prince of Wales Micropub on Station Hill.
Ray Weale, who manages The Prince of Wales will oversee operations at both venues alongside his partner Milly, who will manage The Waverly.
Mr Weale said he was excited to see customers in the bar after months of planning and renovation.
He said: “We’re really excited, it’s been something we’ve been looking at for a while and, if the opportunity arose, we always wanted to expand.
“I think we’re going to be able to offer something slightly different to everything else that’s in town at the moment and give people more options.”
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The Waverly is located at the former Waverly Cafe building, which was also previously the home of the Royal Ashoka restaurant.
The prominent building had been empty for four years but has been revamped after several months of work to transform it into a bar.
“This is such an iconic building in the town”, said Mr Weale.
“It had been empty since March 2020 and as you come in from the Pewsham side of town it opens up and you see this stunning three-storey building.
“To have it back in use is a real privilege and an honour for us, we’re really pleased with the fit-out which has been headed up by Matt Cole.
“It’s got a real elegant touch and is so far from what it was when we took over, so we’re really pleased.”
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Town councillors have supported the bar and feel it could help “regenerate” the Market Place.
Mr Weale believes the venue will be another attraction for visitors to Chippenham.
He added: “It gives other people a reason to come into Chippenham and raises the profile of the town.
“There’s been a real increase in the number of high-quality independents over the last couple of years, which I think is a really good thing.”
The bar’s full launch comes after open days for Prince of Wales regulars, those who helped “bring it to life”, and other businesses in the area.
From Saturday, August 10, The Waverly will be open from noon until 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, until 8pm on Sundays and Mondays, and until 10pm from Tuesday to Thursday.
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