New Rushden bar and social club coming soon hopes to ‘put something back into the community’

The social club in Grangeway, Rushden will include a seated area, bar and a games room with pool, darts and arcade machines for families, children and people of all backgrounds to enjoy.

It is hoped that the space will bring a sense of community back to the area, which those at the forefront of the business feel has been lost since The Viking pub was turned into a Co-op.

The unit next to Budgens has been turned into The Grape & Grain, and those behind it are hard at work making preparations.

A spokesman said: “We’re just trying to put something back into the community. It’s not the biggest place in the world but we’re trying to put back a place where people can come and enjoy it.

“We want it to be a lovely family environment, that’s what we’re creating. If the children are happy, then mum and dad are happy.

“By doing what we’re doing, you don’t have to come in for a beer, you can come in for a coffee too. We want people to put their stamp on it and let them tell us what they want to see, be it guest ales or different drinks.”

Bosses expect to announce the opening date in the coming days, welcoming people into the bar that is currently in the final stages of its renovation.

The Grape & Grain will adopt a membership-based format where people can pay £25 annually, which includes discounted drinks as well as a key fob for entrance to the Grangeway bar.

It is planned that The Grape & grain will be open weekdays from 4pm until 11pm, Saturdays from midday until 11.30pm, and Sundays midday until 10.30pm.

John Bates, who has been a part of the process, added: “People will be the heart of the business and the business will be the heart of the community.

“When The Viking closed the community lost part of its goodwill, and what we’ve been working on is trying to resurrect it.”