A NEW American-style pool hall is set to open in the centre of Bournemouth above a popular bar.

Felson's Stick Hall and Sports Lounge is due to open in May in a converted space above Walkabout on Old Christchurch Road.

Both Walkabout and Felson's are owned by entertainment company Intertain.

It follows a five week refurbishment at the premises, which has cost around £250,000.

It will be the only pool hall in the town centre after a large fire engulfed the building of Sharkey's Sports Bar in January.

A message on the Sharkey's website advises customers they hope to reopen as soon as possible.

Felson's will be open from midday to midnight every day following a launch event on May 19.

Chris Lambert, operations manager, said: “The licence for Felson’s was granted 12 months ago to Intertain, the venue’s owners.

"We are wholeheartedly committed to running a responsible venue and as a result have been able to take a very collaborative approach with all relevant bodies.

“Our new venue is the result of two years of careful planning and a five-week refurbishment project.

“Felson’s is a response to increasingly sophisticated consumer demand, with a search for quality venues with added value top of most people’s lists when going out."

The hall is named after eight-ball champion Eddie Felson who set a world record for dropping 22 balls in a single shot.

The venue will also have a roof terrace, and has seen six permanent jobs created.

Bar manager, Lascelles Richardson, said: “This isn’t a pool bar as most people think of it. Felson’s is all about high-octane, 1950's Hollywood; it’s a place for people to play, eat, drink and most importantly have a great time.

“Just like Eddie Felson, average isn’t good enough for us – and we don’t think anyone will think our new venue is anything less than top-drawer quality. We can’t wait for people to see it.”