A BAR OWNER is taking inspiration from the nightclubs of his younger years as he prepares to open a new venue in Stretford.

Paul Dean, 52, grew up in the area in the 80s, frequenting clubs like Sand’s at Stretford Arndale and wants to rekindle the spirit of those days in his new bar Souljuice.

“They were great days,” he said. “Everybody knew everybody and I want a similar atmosphere in Souljuice.”

Paul is taking over an empty unit in Stretford Mall for his venture with work starting this month on the project which he hopes will open in December.

The licensed bar will stock a range of craft ales, cask beers and continental lager with many sourced from around the Manchester region.

Souljuice will be open every day from 11am until midnight, with a selection of pies also available.

As Stretford continues to undergo a number of changes, both in the mall and across the wider community, Paul, who works at Airbus in North Wales, saw the opportunity to play a part in the regeneration of the area.

“Things have really begun to improve in Stretford and I think a lot of it is to do with the ‘Class of ‘92’s plans to open their university,” he said. “It’s really kicked things off and now you’ve got bars like HEAD opening and the Stretford Food Hall. Once the students start arriving it can only get better.”

Paul is planning a number of period details including a retro UV lighting and is also talking to a mosaic artist.

“I want it to be somewhere where people can come and enjoy a chat over a pie and a pint so we’ll be opening during the day as well as the evening with the hours expected to be 11am to 11pm although we can open later,” he added.

“The builders are starting next week and if everything falls into place I’m hoping we will be open in December before Christmas.

“I’m new to this and there’s a lot to do because the unit has been empty since 2006, but I’m determined to make it work and I’m really looking forward to it.”