The former Genesis nightclub in Market Place is being refitted for soul-funk nights for the towns twenty and thirtysomethings. Co-owner Vince Ryan expects to open for business in late October, and is working on a guest appearance by the Nolan sisters to launch the evening.

Mr Ryan runs the Sustenance restaurant, which will have extra seating for pre-club drinks, but will carry on offering quality dining.

As first revealed on the newbury.net website last week, Sustenance has been cleared to put on bands at the club, which is likely to be soul and funk outfits to appeal to the older clubber.

Meanwhile, after a major refit of the former Beatties toyshop in Cheap Street, Gordons Bar will end weeks of eager anticipation when it opens for business tomorrow night.

The swanky wine and cocktail bar hopes to fill in a gap in the market for more sophisticated venues in the town, fitting in alongside venues like Sustenance and the Square. However, it is also likely to prove popular for pre-club drinks with fans of Liquid and Seymours.

Proprietor Angus Gordon ran a smaller version in the former Red Lion pub in Hungerford, until selling out to Italian restaurateurs last year. The South African entrepreneur has joined up with many of the Hungerford team for Gordons Newbury, including a chef to bring delicacies such as Boorewort, sossaties, and hummus.

Both Gordons and Sustenance got the thumbs up from town planners despite objections from Newbury Town Council, who wanted the shops retained.