Charge! The Newbury leads bid to revitalise Bartholomew Street
A town pub is bucking the downward trend for hostelries as punters return to Bartholomew Street in Newbury.
New hospitality businesses have started up there recently, such as Mint and Sushizen.
It is a trend that Aaron D'Souza, general manager at The Newbury pub nearby, said he hopes to capitalise on.
Mr D'Souza has previously worked at Strada, Bill's Restaurant and the Toby Carvery in Newbury before joining licensee Jamie Allen, who also runs The Fox Inn at Hermitage, and the new team at The Newbury in July.
He said: "It's good to see life coming back to this side of town.
"In the past it's all been about the Market Place but we've got new, independent businesses starting up in Bartholomew Street and we're seeing more customers coming to Bartholomew Street."
In fact, his team will begin opening on Mondays from next month to take advantage of the situation.
Mr D'Souza said the thriving open mic night on Thursdays has become so successful that he is considering booking local artists to perform to complement them.
And he has recruited local chef Gary Basham to focus on a seafood menu.
He said: "We're happy to see our hard work and faith is being vindicated with people being drawn to this end of town again."