A NEW venue in Bolton is preparing to open its doors and heart to the LGBT community.

Entrepreneur James Kofoed is the man behind the bar which will cater for everyone, but specifically lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender revellers.

The bar will open at the end of next month in the former Vogue nightclub in Nelson Square.

A refurbishment is taking place at the moment and its owner is keen to create a welcoming space.

The 25-year-old from Runcorn, who owns and runs bars in Liverpool and Glasgow, said: “Bolton gets very busy at night-time at the weekend but there is nothing like what I am going to open.

“You can go out in Manchester’s Canal Street and feel free to be yourself, but in Bolton you may look over your shoulder before kissing your partner.

“It shouldn’t be like that, you should feel free to be who you are in Bolton.

“There are places which hold LGBT nights, but this will be open every night and be a safe hub. Hopefully it will mean people won’t feel like they have to travel out of the town to have a good night.”

As well as providing ‘fun, drink and party in a place of safety’, the bar — to be renamed MANSION — will host entertainment including live drag acts on the weekend. MANSION will celebrate its grand opening on June 30 from 8pm with special guests to be announced.

CLARIFICATION:

This article previoulsy stated that MANSION is located at the former Vouge bar in Bradshawgate. This has now been corrected to state that is in Nelson Square.