Theatre-goers in Christchurch can now quench their thirst at the Regent Centre’s new bar.

The new Circle Bar is the latest improvement at the cinema and theatre.

Part of the refurbished Spreadbury Suite, the bar is situated on the mezzanine floor between the foyer and the circle.

It was originally known as the Spreadbury Room, named in the late 1980s after the six-time Mayor of Christchurch, Eric Spreadbury.

With a brand new kitchen, cloakroom and IT room, as well as the new Circle Bar, the rooms have been extensively remodelled as part of a programme of work at the theatre.

And manager Greg Rawlings was the first to hop behind the bar to serve a celebratory drink to deputy manager Felicity Crabb.

Mr Rawlings said: “The new Circle Bar will join the existing Foyer Bar with both being open to our patrons during intervals between live shows.

“Our Foyer Bar has always been exceptionally busy and having the Circle Bar coming on stream will enable everyone to get their drinks in comfort and in good time for the start of the second half of the show.”

He added “We are always looking for new volunteers to come and join us at the Regent Centre and anyone who would like to help serve our patrons in the new Circle Bar should contact our volunteer co-ordinator, Julie Corbin on 01202 499199 for further details.”

It will be officially launched on April 24 at a gala fundraiser to raise money for new toilets at the theatre.

The Regent originally opened as the town’s cinema in 1931 before closing in 1973 and becoming a Mecca Bingo Hall until 1982.

In 1983 it reopened as a theatre cinema and concert hall and has recently undergone a programme of redecoration, repairs and refurbishment including more seats, new LED house lights and work on the centre’s famous proscenium arch.