Marina bar at Gunwharf Quays launches its glamorous new look with a party

From left: Jess Chisnell, Helena Downs, Lili Parsons, Laura Spooner, senior deputy manager, and Daniel Gellert Picture: Sarah Standing (170477-9458)

The national chain has invested £420,000 in its Gunwharf Quays venue, which has seen the place redecorated, refurbished and revamped.

The upgrade, which has also seen the outside decking area reconfigured, has created 25 new jobs. General manager Michael O’Mahony says he is still on the lookout for new team members.

He said: ‘We are still in the process of recruiting. We are looking for anyone who wants to work in this beautiful bar.

‘This is the first major upgrade that we have had in the six years we have been here and it’s looking great.

‘It’s fantastic to have some investment and it is exciting to be part of it and work in a place that looks so good.’

The bar reopened on April 7 and hosted a VIP party on Thursday, April 13, when guests from across the city were invited to see the new look.

As well as new additions to the food menu, the cocktail list has been updated.

It still features the brand’s signature cocktail, the porn star Martini, as well as classic Cosmopolitans.

But it also has new additions such as the ciroc mango and apple vodka ciroc mojitos.

Area manager Phil Lightbody said he was pleased with the result of the refurb.

He said: ‘We’re delighted with the investment.

‘Overall it is fantastic and it has been received well by the customers.

‘It was quite a big change and a large investment, so we are pleased to see it looking so good.’

Staff members Courtney Saunders, 26, from North End and Ash Miller, 26, from Somerstown, said they were also happy with the glamorous new look.

Ash said: ‘It’s looking really good, it’s warm, welcoming and vibrant. There’s been some good feedback from customers and we’ve been very busy so far.’

The Slug & Lettuce brand is owned by Stonegate Pub Company – the largest privately-held managed pub operator in the UK, with revenues in excess of £625m, employing circa 14,000 people.

The company has 692 pubs, including Slug & Lettuce, Yates, Walkabout and Common Room venues and traditional pubs.

It also runs Slug & Lettuce venues in Southsea and Fareham.

The Gunwharf Quays opening hours are 10am until midnight Monday to Wednesday, 10am until 1am Thursday to Saturday and 10am until 11pm on Sundays.