THE owners of a town centre bar on Duke Street are hoping to write further chapters in its history.

The Newsroom has had a summer spruce up and launched a new drinks menu as it looks to pull in more visitors.

Owner Mark McLoughlin, 57, is keen to give the venue a “softer side” and hope a few tweaks to the music on offer and an improved wine selection will attract more couples to enjoy its cosy space.

St Helens Star: The Newsroom has broadened its drinks menuThe Newsroom has broadened its drinks menu (Image: Contributed)

Mark, a former builder who moved into the bar trade, has ambitions to expand the venue and wants it to be a key attraction on a quality night out on Duke Street.

His daughter Hannah runs nearby Cinema Bar, which has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years.

Mark, who bought the bar last year, told the Star: “It’s had a bit of a blokish reputation so we want to soften that a bit.

St Helens Star: New signage in the barNew signage in the bar (Image: Contributed)

“We’re improving the wine menu and will be changing some of the music we offer to give a more soulful feel.”

With beers, cask ales, gins, cocktails and a small but improved selection of wines on offer, the Newsroom (the building was formerly occupied by a newsagents) aims to serve up something to suit everyone’s tastes.

St Helens Star: The NewsroomThe Newsroom (Image: Contributed)

Such has been the demand for entry at the nearby Cinema bar that, on occasions, bosses have had to turn people away. So Mark and Hannah are keen to create a vibrant “little quarter” along Duke Street where people can shuffle between bars.

The bars are also a short walk from the Turks Head at Cowley Hill - recently voted Camra’s Merseyside Pub of the Year - and Mark believes the range of different venues - the Townhouse bar is also located next door - can offer people an enjoyable experience during a night out.

The Newsroom offers discounts in early evenings to entice customers. They are conscious of the pressures caused by the cost of living crisis, meaning they are trying to hold prices on their drinks stable.

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It rarely shows sport, leaving that for the bigger venues, with Mark keen to create a “laid back” atmosphere where customers can chat and unwind.