Amber Taverns Ltd has bought the former Linekers bar on High Street, Newport, and is set to open a new venue in its place in April.

The Blackpool-based firm will be opening a Hogarths Gin Palace employing up to four full-time staff and up to 20 part time and it is expected to be open for business towards the end of April.

The building was previously owned by Richard Hayward Properties, a Castleton-based development firm which is currently undertaking a number of projects in Newport city centre.

These include refurbishing the former Delilahs on the corner of Cambrian Road into a Premier Inn and converting Olympia House on Upper Dock Street in to apartments, retail units and offices.

Amber Taverns bought the building, which fronts on to High Street and Cambrian Road, outright for an undisclosed sum. Manchester solicitors Kuits acted for the firm.

Gary Roberts, operations director, for Amber Taverns Ltd, said: "We have a strategic plan to open around 12 outlets in South Wales. This is number two. We see Newport as a developing city with lots of potential. We already have a Hogarths Gin Palace in Swansea and we have another 110 sites across England in the north east, north west and Midlands."

Amber Taverns was formed 11 years ago. Its pubs are community focused public houses with a contemporary twist - like specialising in gins. All have Sky and BT Sports and show football, racing, rugby, darts, golf, snooker and even fishing.

The new Hogarths in Newport will not serve food and will offer occasional live entertainment. Children will not be allowed.

EJ Hales acted for RHP in the sale the building which provides a ground floor unit of 3,455 sq ft and also includes three upper floors and a basement.

Richard Hayward, of Richard Hayward Properties, said: “This is a great location for a company like Amber Taverns and the new bar will add to Newport’s leisure offer.”