AN authentic Irish pub will open its doors tomorrow, Friday after a three month transformation of the former Zoo Bar.

Punch Tarmey’s on Westfield Street will open on December 1, following a redevelopment by the owners of the Eccleston Arms, Mikhail Hotels and Leisure Group.

Traditional Irish music will be played during the day and weekends, while evenings will feature themed nights and music from the 60s through to the 90s.

It also features a boxing theme in honour of owner Andrew Mikhail’s, great grandfather, Michael Tarmey, who was a champion boxer in early 1900s Dublin.

All major sporting fixtures will also be screened around the bar, from boxing matches, rugby and football as well as Gaelic football and hurling.

Andrew Mikhail, chairman of Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, said: “We are really excited about opening Punch Tarmey’s and think it is going to be a great addition to St Helens and boost the night time economy in the town centre.

“It looks amazing and I’m very excited to be opening Punch Tarmey’s as part of my development portfolio, with plans to open further sites across the North West.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to integrate my family history into an amazing pub.

“After months of hard work, it looks amazing inside and we are really looking forward to opening the doors and letting people see how we have transformed it and invite them in for an authentic Irish experience.”