U Bar now on the market

Owner of U Bar in Church Street, Dougie Wilkinson, has put the premises on the market. Estate agents Knightsbridge price the venue as £520,000 on their website and give the reason for sale as emigration.

The nightspot remains open as normal and Mr Wilkinson confirmed today that the 30-year-old premises were up for sale.

But he said no immediate sale was expected and plans to totally refurbish U Bar were planned for three months time.

"We had enquiries from someone interested in buying the property and we had to get a market value through estate agents.

"If someone comes up with the right price I will sell, but the £520,000 figure is about double the price I would expect to get," said Mr Wilkinson, who has owned the third floor premises above shops since 2003.

The entrance is at ground floor level with a stairway leading to the club which includes a lap-dancing area, chill-out area, DJ booth and large TV screen. There is also owner's accommodation.

Mr Wilkinson said that he did plan to move to Asia in a few years time, but had no immediate plans to emigrate.

"I spend four to six months a year abroad because of other business commitments," he added.

Mr Wilkinson also said he was in the process of buying something else in the area, but was not prepared to disclose which one.

U Bar, which can accommodate 350 customers, previously underwent a £350,000 overhaul in 2006.

It opens until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays and has had lap dancing since 2006.

This year U Bar also started opening during the day.