A new Scandinavian-inspired coffee and cocktail bar is set to open, promising a stylish new addition to a North East town's nightlife.
Fresh plans have revealed further details for the venue on Church Street in Hartlepool, including a hidden, Venetian-inspired basement speakeasy.
Liam Lewis of LJP Developments Ltd said: "It’s kind of an escape from everywhere else, you go down into the basement, you don’t really know where you’re going until you come into this fabulous premium speakeasy-type venue."
Named Meraki, the ground floor will operate as a coffee bar by day and transition into a contemporary cocktail and wine bar by night.
The basement, called The Vault, will offer a more intimate, atmospheric experience in contrast to the main bar above.
Mr Lewis said: "It'll just be somewhere with a little bit less hustle and bustle from the main bar, somewhere that’s a lot more intimate, there’ll be nice mood lighting.
"There’s nothing quite like it in the area so far."
Seating about 30 people, The Vault will operate on a first-come, first-served basis and is designed to host both evening crowds and private functions.
Above the bar, the building is being converted into an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Mr Lewis said the venue is expected to open in "late spring/early summer" this year.
The site was previously home to a bank vault, adding to the concept behind the basement bar.
The plans follow approval from Hartlepool Development Corporation planning officers last year.
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A separate, recently approved application allows for a Meraki sign to be installed and for a pavement café to operate during opening hours.
The Vault is described as “a space designed for those who appreciate the finer details,” featuring Venetian-inspired décor, curated music and an atmosphere that feels exclusive, hidden and quietly unforgettable.
The venue aims to bring a fresh and distinctive offering to the town’s growing hospitality scene.
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