AN OLD bank in Atherton has been transformed into a new cocktail bar following planning approval.

Along the main stretch of the town centre where Lloyds Bank used to operate now sits Society, a new bar that offers something completely new to the area.

Society recently opened following planning approval from Wigan Council – after months of transformational works.

Leigh Journal: Bar at Society in Atherton. Uploaded by George Lythgoe. Credit: Capturesque Photography. Free to use for all LDRS partners

Owners of The Plaza, Chris and Curtis, decided to take on the space and open a brand-new style of bar in the area, which they say is unlike anything you would find outside the city.

Curtis Whitty, licence holder and owner said: “We opened our other venue ‘The Plaza’  in Atherton three years ago and have since seen the street grow from strength to strength. The Plaza has constantly been getting busier and busier. 

“When the last bank in Atherton closed, it was obvious that it was going to be turned into a bar by someone, so we instead took it over ourselves to create ‘Society’. There isn’t another venue in Atherton like Society, with scientific cocktail creations to live resident DJs every Friday and Saturday. 

“Our aim is to create another safe and respectable venue for people to come to Atherton and enjoy our town. Customers won’t get an experience like we have created outside of the big cities. 

Leigh Journal: UFC champion Tom Aspinall in Society. Uploaded by George Lythgoe. Credit: Capturesque Photography. Free to use for all LDRS partners

“Since opening we have also employed 12 new staff members to work alongside us.”

Famous faces from the area have already been spotted at the bar, with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall paying a visit to the latest addition to his hometown’s high street recently. Other venues believe this will be a great addition to the town, with owner of the Snug Rachael Flaszczak believing it will bring even more punters to the area.

Atherton has become a hotspot for nightlife over the last few years with an increase in bars opening in the area. There is hope that Society can be the latest success story in the area, attracting revellers from the local area and those from further afield.