CUSTOMERS are counting down the days to when a popular sports bar reopens for business.

Sharkey's Sports Bar was forced to close its doors in January when a major fire engulfed the entire pool hall.

But following months of refurbishment the Old Christchurch Road bar is set to unveil its new look with a celebratory party.

On Friday, (SEP 2), visitors will be treated to table tennis, more VIP areas, dart boards, access to Xbox and a Wii, the all-important brand new American pool tables and two English pool tables.

It also claims to have the largest TV in Bournemouth, with a 95 inch screen.

Co-owner Rod Cake said his customers are eager to return to the bar again.

"We have had so much interest. We have people asking us every day: 'when are you open again?'.

"Our customers really miss the venue and this is about giving them something back after they've suffered as well", he said.

"We have got people on Facebook saying their home has been taken away and that's the reputation we had built.

"There is going to be a brand new look with all the fittings we had before but with extras. There will be more TVs, more VIP booths but ultimately it is a brand new bar. There will be a brand new sound system. And table tennis - that's something that customers wanted and it will be really popular. For me it's about getting the company back up and running."

Staff have also organised a very special event as part of the relaunch seeing living legend Jimmy White come to the town on Friday to play 25 frames with selected competitors.

Two tickets have been offered to Daily Echo readers to play 'The Whirlwind' - the details of which will be confirmed soon.

And if organising a relaunch wasn't enough, Mr Cake said there are already plans to launch another branch in Southampton sometime next year.

"It's very early days but we want to be the UK's number one sports bar and pool hall," he said.

"We are customer-focused and we work hard to make sure everyone feels welcomed. It's about going that extra mile and that's what we are going to do with this new improved Sharkey's."