A new jazz club aimed at 'more mature' customers will open in Coventry tonight.

The Venue in Lower Holyhead Road has undergone a £300,000 face-lift to turn it from a disused Indian restaurant into a smart entertainment venue.

Last night the club hosted its VIP opening and manager Joe Haggarty was delighted with the way things went.

He said:

"We are very pleased with the club and the way things have turned out. What people see when they come here is the product of two years work to get everything just right.

"Last night we a had a very nice crowd of people in and they were extremely taken with the look and atmosphere of the Venue and I am sure it will be very popular."

The club is on split-levels and has two bars, a balcony, a stage and a dance-floor and will serve hot food as well as supplying live jazz acts.

Haggarty has stressed that the club will cater for anyone from 19 – 80 years old, but they will turn away anyone who does not seem suited to the environment.

He said:

"I am not going to impose a '21 or over' rule because if we get a smart 19-year-old couple they will be allowed in, but people will have to realise that this is a nice environment and we do not want rowdies.

"We are looking for mature people who want to go out, possibly have some nice food, and have a drink in a smart sociable environment."

Admission to The Venue will be free up until 2 August when they receive their 2am licence, and after that will range from £2 - £5.

The club will be open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with a live jazz act every evening.

Haggarty said:

"We will have a resident jazz DJ who will play all of the best tunes but we will also have a live act every night we are open, some local talented bands and some very well known ones."