THE former Apollo Bingo Hall is to become part of the Brannigans chain.

The Friarsgate venue will be open all day for eating and will provide live bands and dancing until 1am from Monday to Saturday.

The club has been sold by Apollo Leisure to First Leisure Corporation, who were granted a provisional entertainment licence on Tuesday.

The venue was set to become an 'Entertainment Cafe' despite strong opposition from a number of borough councillors and Warrington Arts Council who campaigned to bring a theatre back to Warrington.

Barry Holland, who spoke for Brannigans, which has 'Eating, Dancing and Cavorting' as its theme, said: "Brannigans has an identifiable image and is known throughout the country and one o'clock is the hour that the others close.

"There will be no great change to the internal layout and it will have a stage with live music."

The new venue will provide a restaurant area and dance floor and is set to attract clubbers of all ages. Mr Holland said: "If you look at our membership the average age is 29.6."

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