Pub chain JD Wetherspoon is closing in on the Chicago Rock Café for a second venue in town.

Wetherspoon is hoping to reopen the Cheap Street nightclub as a Lloyds cocktail bar, after the pubco agreed to snap up 12 late-night venues across the country from struggling owner 3D Entertainment.

As first revealed on newbury.net, JD Wetherspoon has already taken over the Hatchet in the Market Place, and is busy refurbishing the 400-year-old building.

Newbury’s Chicago Rock Café was owned by struggling nightclub chain Luminar Leisure, which issued a profit warning last week after a disappointing Christmas period. Luminar still has a 49% stake in 3D Entertainment.

Wetherspoon has yet to confirm the deal, but bar staff have already been told that the venue is to be a Lloyds No.1 bar.

Most of the Hatchet was built in the 1830s - a little less than 400 years old. The older section might date back that far - but I'm not convinced.

Ah I'm glad to see the reference to Nando's has been taken off now. It wasn't the truth just in case anyone is still spreading that rumour. It shouldn't be too long before news of the first letting can be released.