A POPULAR sports bar reopened last night eight months after it was devastated by a major fire.

Sharkey’s in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, January 5 after a fire spread through the connected block of flats.

The blaze tore through the sports bar, into homes above and The George Tapps Pub, forcing business-owners and residents out into the street.

Unfortunately the pool hall was completely destroyed leaving co-owner Rod Cake “devastated”.

But Mr Cake said he was able to turn the negative into something positive by not only restoring Sharkey’s but making it into what he hopes will be one of the best bars in town.

“In a way we were lucky because the fire gave us a blank slate to completely refurbish the bar,” he added.

“We still very much intend to run it the way we used to with excellent customer service as the main focus but we have vastly improved the interior.

“We were a very successful company before the fire and while the furnishings have changed we have no intention of changing the way the company is run.”

The bar now has 60 TVs, nine American pool tables, two English pool tables, three table tennis tables and three dart boards.

According to Mr Cake the bar will be showing all sports events from Premier League football, to boxing and UFC, golf and American Football.

“We want everyone to feel welcome regardless of age, gender or sports team,” he added.

“I’m so pleased with how this refurb has turned out and the Bournemouth bar will now be the blueprint for any future locations.”

There are plans to open a bar in Southampton next year.