THE much-awaited Smokehouse has opened its doors for business.

The American-themed restaurant and wine bar has been in the planning for the past 15 months and finally opened to the public on Wednesday (December 23).

The Bridge Street venue was the idea of entrepreneur Chris Howell, from Thatto Heath.

Chris, 26, who also owns the Special Ops paintball centre on Borough Road, has ensured the business has a strong St Helens spine, having recruited 77 people across a variety of roles for the £500,000 restaurant.

The restaurant is located within the former empty retail space on the site of what was the Savoy cinema.

The premises has even had the benefit of one of the most recognisable voices in showbusiness, with actor Brian Blessed lending his booming dulcet tones to a radio advertising campaign for The Smokehouse.

A launch night was held for around 60 guests on Tuesday night ahead of its public opening.

"The restaurant is based around Bourbon Street in New Orleans which is in the name and even the sauces used," explains Chris.

"There is Bourbon Street deco inside. A lot of people slate the town about the lack of opportunity and inward investment but it's massively important how great St Helens was and can be in the future.

"It's been a long journey and now I'll be looking to hand over the reins to the manager Javier Mellado."