THERE will be a new addition to the St Helens restaurant scene from tonight – as the wraps come off a sportsground's pavilion that has undergone a £250,000 development.

The Sticky Wicket Bar & Grub has been created at the Ruskin Drive sports ground.

The venue, which is privately owned, has seen everything except its cricket square view replaced.

The interior of the bar has been given a modern look after undergoing major refurbishment – but it still gives a nod to Ruskin's sporting heritage with wall displays celebrating the history and colours of the clubs who play there.

And the renovations have created space for a restaurant. Bosses say their aim is to create a menu that is English inspired but offers variety that isn’t catered for in St Helens.

Their ambition is to create "dishes that would not look out of place in a top city centre restaurant".

The bar, in the grounds of the council-run sportsground that has benefitted from a multi-million pound transformation, has been open for several weeks but thonight's marks the unveiling of the restaurant.

Stephen Palfrey, operations director at the Sticky Wicket Bar & Grub, said “Since we bought the business (Ruskin) from Pilkington six years ago, we’ve already invested more than £300,000 into the other parts of the business, including the health & fitness club, office spaces and function suite.

"The Pavilion had remained loved, but untouched.

"When the sports grounds received an investment, we felt confident in investing further into the business. We’re confident in St Helens and confident that we’ve created something that isn’t already catered for in the local area.”

Sticky Wicket Bar & Grub’s food service hours are Monday to Friday 5 – 9pm, Saturday noon – 9pm and Sunday 9am – 6pm.