A SOUTHEND burger bar is set to open a second diner and cocktail bar in the heart of Leigh this summer.

Henry Burgess, owner of Henry Burgers in Southend’s Market Place, has bought Louis XIV bar in Leigh Broadway from the Estuary Pub Company.

The former party venue is set to be transformed into an American-style diner, and cocktail bar with a continental feel.

Mr Burgess said: “The renovation is under way. Everything looks on course so barring something going totally wrong we’re very excited to be opening in early June.

“We are aiming for the same feel and atmosphere as we have in Southend. The whole idea is a casual eating place.

“We’re not going down the route of other places in Leigh with branded DJ nights. We want it to be about our produce.”

Mr Burgess, 32, ran the Sun Rooms for six years before turning it into his own burger bar.

The new venue will have space for 80 to 100 people eating at any one time, with a bar and open feel to downstairs and further seating on the first floor.

Mr Burgess added: “We’ve removed the bar from upstairs for more seating and moved the one downstairs so it will feel very different.”

Mr Burgess hopes to create around 25 new jobs with the venture, which will be open seven days a week serving food from 9.30am to 9.30pm.

Chairman of Leigh Town Council Caroline Parker, welcomed the new business to the town.

She said: “I am sure the young people will love it.”