HERE'S a first glimpse inside a new bar that is coming to St Helens town centre.

As reported by the Star earlier this week, over the summer internal construction has been ongoing to combine the space of two former popular venues on Ormskirk Street.

The work has combined the former Cork and Dough premises and the neighbouring Secret Gin Garden.

With both venues closing due to sustained struggles from the pandemic and cost of living crisis, a decision was made to revamp the premises with a new and improved offer.

Owners Ian Pitts and Rebecca Peacock are creating the new bar, named the Tipsy Tap.

As these pictures - which were shared on social media - show, the venue is going to have a traditional pub feel to it, with brick interiors and old photos of St Helens.

It will provide a large seating area and offer more than 20 draft options including lagers, bitters, ciders, craft ale, and Guinness.

There will also be a selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails, as well as coffees and hot drinks throughout the day.

It is understood some of the fixtures and fittings from the former Counting House 

The bar will also have a focus on live sports as it aims to become a regular spot where people can watch Saints or the big football games, with several screens showing Sky Sports. 

Rebecca, who previously held the reins of the Secret Garden, said: "Having combined the space with what was once Cork & Dough, we have been able to offer a lot more seating, a much larger bar area, and completely change the customer experience.

"We can’t wait for people to come down and see what we have done with the space, and hopefully we have created somewhere exciting and new for customers to enjoy a drink."

Although an opening date has not yet been confirmed, the Tipsy Tap is expected to open in the coming weeks.

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