Buzzbys enjoys 'phenomenal' launch in St Helens town centre

With a nod to the former Buzby's bar on Bridge Street, Buzzbys launched as an American-themed 'dive bar' along Westfield Street in early October, becoming the latest in a string of venues that have occupied the town centre space.

Despite the chequered history of the building, with Punch Tarmeys, Zoo Bar, Circus, and Kingdom all opening and closing in recent years, Buzzbys' owners are desperate to offer something new to the people of St Helens, and so far, they have been "blown away" by the response.

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The interactive darts boards at Buzzbys (Image: St Helens Star) Following a similar vein to the chain of Flight Club bars, one of the main attractions at Buzzbys has been its interactive darts boards, which invites people to enjoy fast-paced, multi-player games on the relaxed first floor.

With pool tables and pinball machines also on offer at the bar, a sports theme pervades throughout Buzzbys, with several big screen TVs ready to showcase all the big Saints and Premier League games. 

Music is another "massive influence" for the Westfield Street bar, with rocking playlists played throughout the day and live singers encouraging a lively atmosphere from Thursdays to Sundays.

And if this wasn't enough to attract local drinkers, bosses are determined to keep the bar as affordable as possible with draught lager offered from as low as £2 a pint.

Pool tables and pinball machines also on offer at Buzzbys (Image: St Helens Star) Phil Kennedy, one of the bar staff at Buzzbys, said: "The first month we have had here has been absolutely phenomenal, and we are already hearing that people are giving up their locals for us.

"I think this is because of our prices, the music and sports, but also because of the atmosphere and rapport that we have already built with customers.

"People are already saying that we would be gutted if we closed, so this response has given us the confidence to experiment with new things and see what more things we can offer on Westfield Street and the town centre."

The large ground floor space showcases live sport and music throughout the week (Image: St Helens Star) More live music events is one way that the team is looking to further expand its offer, Phil said, although he feels it is imperative that there is a collaboration with other town centre businesses, to ensure that there is a varied offer throughout the town centre and they are not stepping on anyone else's toes.

And with Buzzbys opened by St Helens businessman Andrew Mikhail, who has launched several successful ventures in St Helens, Liverpool and Southport, Phil said he is certain that the bar can prosper and stand the test of time in the town centre.

The bar has had a 'phenomenal' response since its launch, staff say (Image: St Helens Star) "Being from St Helens, Andy knows the community and knows what people want from a town centre bar", Phil added.

"For the most part that is offering an affordable place that has a great atmosphere with music and sport, and I'm already loving what this bar is doing and providing for the community.

"It's fantastic to see the regulars we are attracting already and hopefully the regeneration plans can attract even more venues to Westfield Street and St Helens as a whole."

Buzzbys, on Westfield Street in St Helens town centre (Image: St Helens Star)