A NEW bar and brasserie bringing the best of Belgium to Bournemouth is set to open in the town later this month.

Belgium and Blues, a bar and brasserie inspired by the unique beers of Belgium, is brought to Bournemouth by owner Steve Lee.

The firm has traded for three years in Southampton.

Steve thought it was a good time to branch out somewhere closer to home.

He said: “I live in Christchurch, but the Southampton Belgium and Blues came first as I worked there. I have been looking for a site in Bournemouth for seven years, but didn’t find the right site of the right size until now.”

After looking at more than 50 sites in Bournemouth, Steve finally found the perfect home for the bar and brasserie in Post Office Road.

“Belgium and Blues is something different for Bournemouth, so it’s great to be in the centre yet tucked away slightly, away from the main drag," he said.

“A lot of the bars here are student and young people-focused, but if you like beer, whether you’re young or old, we offer that in a relaxed environment.

"You don’t come to Belgium and Blues to get steaming, you come here to try different things.”

Belgium and Blues mainly offer a variety of beers, along with some wine and spirits.

They do not sell shots, alcopops or energy drinks, rather they focus on customers trying new drinks in a laid-back environment.

Steve’s inspiration for Belgium and Blues stems not only from his love of Belgium beer, but from his appreciation of Belgian bars.

Steve takes his young family into Belgian bars due to their family-friendly nature, and this is something he wanted to replicate in his establishments.

Steve said: “Bars in Belgium are friendly and welcoming. There is also lots of choice for beer. You rarely see drunk people in the bars, it’s just people sitting, relaxing and tasting loads of different beers."

Despite not being open yet, plans are already under way for the new venue, with Steve hoping to serve at outdoor events, organise local beer festivals and even open more branches.

But for now, Steve has his eyes set on a successful opening weekend and “enjoying what we’ve got here at the moment”.

Belgium and Blues will open its doors to the beer-loving public from March 27-28.

From 7pm on March 27 you can visit to enjoy live music, ranging from DJs to blues, soul and funk bands who will perform across the weekend.

Rare and unusual beers will also be available.

To keep up to date with Belgium and Blues, visit Belgium and Blues Bournemouth on Facebook.