Raise a glass to Prohibition

New bar and restaurant opens in Newbury

PROHIBITION has come to Newbury, but it’s far from the ban on selling alcohol – in fact it’s quite the opposite.

The new bar and restaurant themed on the American speakeasies of the 1920s opened last Friday.

The manager of the Hoggit and Hoof steakhouse, Jamie Allen, has taken over the former NYX nightclub in Cheap Street, opposite the Diamond Tap.

Prohibition features a cocktail bar and a stage for live bands, comedy acts and jazz and blues to accentuate the 1920s theme.

Mr Allen said the opening night had been a success, although he confessed that more cocktail mixologists might be needed.

He said that the move was to try to offer Newbury something a bit different and offer everything they did already plus more.

Mr Allen said he had responded to customers at the Hoggit saying that they had wanted somewhere to move on to after they had eaten.

The steakhouse kitchen, offering the Mexican menu along with high-end Mexican dishes, has also moved to Prohibition.

Mr Allen said that the opening had been delayed, owing to the Kennet Centre being taken over by new owners.