If you don't want to miss a thing during England's World Cup matches, then Prestbury Sports Bar in Warminster has the perfect solution plasma screen TVs in the loos.

The sports bar, tucked away in The Close, opened on Friday, just in time for the FA Cup Final and the European Champions League final on Wednesday. Owner Nick Pitcher said: "We rushed to get it open for all the big sports events."

The bar has a three-metre by two-metre projection screen in the main area and two further plasma screens in the lounge. Mr Pitcher has a wealth of experience in the bar trade, having previously managed The Rose and Crown in Warminster, Capone's and Pulse in Trowbridge, Oscar's in Longleat and Pub Club UK in Glastonbury. He said: "I am at the stage in my life where I can do something I want to do, not just do it for the money."

He got together with builder, Pete Bartley, to refurbish the old Prestbury Social Club, which had been vacant for six months. He said: "We both love sport, particularly football, and felt there was nothing specific in Warminster for sports fans."

The bar also has table football, two competition-sized pool tables and Mr Pitcher says he is thinking about starting pool tournaments in the future. For people who aren't such keen sports fans there is a lounge area, which can be closed off from the main bar, with a jukebox linked up to the screen so people can watch music videos at the same time.

Mr Pitcher said: "We've got the smart area so that if girls or anyone else who's not into sport want to stay and chat there and watch the music jukebox they can." Mr Pitcher commandeered old school chum Cllr Paul Batchelor to officially open the bar by pulling the first pint.

Cllr Batchelor said: "It would be great if more empty premises were being put to good use to encourage more individuals to Warminster.

"The sports bar is a great new amenity and will help prevent people going out of town; I am sure this will have a knock-on effect and help other businesses in Warminster."

Mr Pitcher said: "The building was empty for six months and no-one really wanted it.

"I hope this will help make people more attracted to Warminster and maybe people from Westbury will come out here."

FACT FILE

  • The Prestbury Sports Bar is open 7pm-midnight Monday to Friday and midday-midnight at weekends
  • There is parking for nine cars outside
  • No under-18s after 7pm and strict photo-ID policy
  • Food is not served at present but will be in the future
  • For more information call Nick on 07941 193007