TWO new bars have opened their doors for business to boost a town’s nightlife.

The Halt, on Station Road, and The Prosecco Quarter, on Queen Street, are the new hot spots in Redcar’s Northern Quarter.

And the two bars have been opened with a little help from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s High Street Support Scheme.

Lee Shore, co-owner of The Halt, which is fast gaining a reputation for its live music offer, received a match-funded grant of £10,000 from the support scheme.

He said: “Without the Council we couldn’t have done it. They’ve really helped us out from the very beginning.

“We used the funds for the decorating, new flooring, the outside the electrics, new toilets, everything really.

“Business is great, better than we expected. We’re such a small business in a small bar but it’s really taken off in short space of time.

“In each microbar there are all different types of ales. Each pub you go in has different beers, not like the bigger pubs where it’s all the same. We’re always changing, always keeping it fresh.”

The Prosecco Quarter benefitted from the scheme with £4,739.80 which was in turn match funded by Mr Smee to carry out a full renovation of the former fishmonger’s unit to transform it into the bar.

Damon Smee behind the bar

The owner of The Prosecco Quarter added: “The High Street Support Scheme has been a great help. It helped us get things over the line.

“The main thing for me was to hire local tradesman with the money from the scheme. That way, we helped other people in Redcar in ensuring the money stays in the local community.

“Redcar on the whole is on the up, and Station Road area is a product of good people’s faith in the area, the people and their community. You have other independents, such as Betty Leigh Boutique, Tinkerella, Jo Bishops, Geoff Crust’s and more all playing their part in offering something different for the area.

“I’d tell anyone looking to set up a business to take a look at the High Street Support Scheme. Take your time, do your research, ask questions, be brave and be prepared to task risk and prepare to fail until you get it right.”

The scheme provides match-funded financing for projects such as shop frontage works, fittings for existing businesses and improving security.

Councillor Bob Norton, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The Northern Quarter pub scene is a real success story and it’s down to risk-taking entrepreneurs like Lee and Damon.

“There are 16 bars and micro pubs dotted all along Station Road and its side streets. People are having a great time in this string of independently owned, unique bars.

“I’m really pleased we were able to help Lee and Damon with their new ventures and I wish them every success for the future.”

For further information, call the Council on 01642 444494 or email: placeinvestment@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk