The Ark Bar in Andover town centre is set to open next month

Now the premises license has been approved, owner Jason Wyatt will be opening The Ark bar - ark standing for an act of random kindness - on Friday, October 28 after it is fully refurbished. 

After being made redundant in January, Jason decided to follow his dreams and use his life savings to give back to Andover and create a place where people in the area can grab a drink and watch others showcasing their talent - whether that be singing or poetry - and everyone is welcome to the bar in London Street.  

Every week there will be an "Introducing Night" where a new act will perform, and every other week there will be a night primarily for under 18s wanting to have a night out in the town centre. 

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Jason, who has lived in Andover since he was a child, said: "A lot of what I am trying to achieve, other than making a living, is to engage with all the local people and companies, as well as bring trade from out of town into Andover. 

"There are other pubs in the area but what I am offering is if you like jazz, hip-hop, indie, rock or comedy, there will be something here for everyone. 

"This is something I have always wanted to do and as soon as I see someone on that stage performing to everyone, whether they are 15 or 55, I will be so happy."

Apart of the inside of the new Ark Bar. (Image: NQ Staff)

The bar is set to have 10 employees spread across different shifts. It is still looking to hire people to join the team who either have previous bar tending experience or who have good personality and are willing to pull up a seat and interact with customers. 

Jason said the ethos and message of the bar is all about positive mental wellbeing. As someone who suffers from depression Jason wants The Ark to be a place where people can have fun and socialise whilst feeling safe. 

The bar will be working to help support Andover-based charity The Yellow Brick Road for the upcoming year. The charity aims to teach young people life skills to help end youth homelessness in the area. 

The Ark space will also be available free for businesses to use during the day for meetings, art exhibitions and cocktail masterclasses. Other than the bar, which wouldn't be free, the only thing Jason would like in return is for those hiring out the space to donate to his chosen charity. 

In the future Jason hopes to work with other independently-owned businesses such as Andover Tap and the SP Bar. 

When the business initially opens it will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm till 11pm and then the "Introducing Nights" on every Wednesday will follow. 

For anyone interested in performing at The Ark or applying for a job role contact arkbarandover@gmail.com

For more information go to theark_bar on Instagram or The ARK Bar on Facebook.