A NEW family-friendly bar is opening in Basingstoke set to offer a host of community events from wine and art evenings to book clubs and storytelling.

The Gabardine Bar is named after the famous trench coat made by world-wide fashion brand Burberry, whose first shop opened in Basingstoke in 1856.

The new venue is set to open in London Street at the Top of Town in the summer and is described on its website as offering “a unique experience, a place to enjoy freshly made coffee, wines, cocktails, craft beers, local food produce and much more”.

The Gabardine Bar will also host various events including art and wine evenings, book clubs and language lessons.

Its website says: “Families are always welcome; we will also have storytelling afternoons for the children to enjoy whilst you relax.”

On Sundays, live acoustic music will be played in the bar at lunchtime, with free tapas served with wine.

The bar will also be available to rent for private functions and have a meeting room and printing facilities.

It is set to give a jobs boost for the town, with the owners of the new venue looking to employ staff to join the team.