A FAMILY-run business in Weston-super-Mare has brought style and sophistication to the resort by swapping a strip club for a cocktail and champagne bar.

The Kimitri family opened Club Tabu on the Boulevard to the public on Friday August 5, 2011, at the site of the former Players Lounge strip club.

The venue underwent an extensive renovation and now boasts luxury décor to appeal to its clientele.

Weston Town Mayor, Cllr Cyril King, conducted the official opening ceremony by cutting the ribbon.

The Kimitri family, who own several businesses in Weston and Bristol, said they wanted to bring the modern designs of London to the seaside town and help to clean up the evening trade.

Owner Kerry Kimitri said: “Weston needed a sophisticated venue tailored toward the older customers who do not wish to mingle with kids in the night clubbing trade.

“After the tenants left the Players Lounge I felt this was the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate the building with a complete refurbishment.

“Many residents in the town had always been opposed to the strip bar and its previous establishment Vamps, which was a pole dancing club.

“I felt it was time the community were heard and I have created a classy venue for people to enjoy a safe and friendly night out.

“Club Tabu is situated in an up and coming area of town, which has seen significant investment recently with the opening of other quality bars and restaurants.

“As it is further away from the main night clubbing area it also does not attract troublemakers.

“I am delighted the town Mayor, Councillor Cyril King, assisted with our official opening and I look forward to welcoming more customers.”

Club Tabu is for people over the age of 21 and customers can choose to opt for a free platinum membership card, which allows free entry and queue jumping privileges.

As well as the boutique cocktail bar there is an exclusive VIP area and the dress code is smart.

For more information on Club Tabu contact Kerry Kimtiri on 0787 962 6614.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited Weston this week to officially re-open the Grand Pier three years after it was destroyed by fire.

Princess Anne last visited the town back in 2008 where she saw the fire ravaged pier first-hand and met with the owners and those involved in plans to rebuild the landmark. Since her last visit the pier and surrounding public space has undergone a transformation.

Crowds of people waving Union Jack flags lined the streets as the Queen’s daughter unveiled a plaque to commemorate the official reopening of the pier.

The Echo understands that Princess Anne also opened the public space situated near the pier that will now be known as the Princess Royal Square. The Royal guest learnt how work had first begun on the square in 2010 and cost around £3.9 million.

The princess also viewed the new tourist information centre and met local residents.

A visit of such magnitude can only be good news for business in the town and the Echo believes local traders will have been given a boost from this Royal seal of approval.

The future of the country’s economy will be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Weston and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce on Tuesday July 19.

The meeting, which will be held at the Royal Hotel in Weston is open to both members and non-members. The chamber’s new president Gail Parsons will be speaking at the gathering, outlining how she sees the association developing in the coming years.

There will also be an open forum where Weston Chamber members will be able to introduce themselves and share business news. The forum will also provide an opportunity for networking and discussing issues related to the local economy.

The chamber’s membership has risen to 91 within the last year and comprises of businesses, shops, organisations and individuals trading in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding area.

The meeting is at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.

You can find out more about the event by visiting the chamber’s website at www.westonchamber.co.uk

A host of local businesses have pledged their support to Weston RNLI’s first ever fund-raising event – Lifeboat Week.  The theme is ‘go mad for the RNLI’ and it will run from July 30 to August 7 in order to celebrate the work of the charity and raise funds to keep the service in operation.

All money raised during the week will go to the RNLI’s Weston crew and businesses that have already signed up for the event have agreed to put up posters or flags in their window and have a collection box to raise funds.

Organisers are urging more businesses to come forward and get involved in the week-long charity event by helping in any way they can, such as coming up with a fun way to raise funds for the RNLI.

The RNLI have access to the Italian Gardens for the week and two Weston firms have already agreed to put on a circus skills workshop and karaoke session.

According to members at Weston RNLI it’s vital that they raise funds to keep the station going because the operation is entirely supported by voluntary donations. The crew work without pay, and all the money raised during Lifeboat Week will help keep the local Weston station and crew above water.

As well as businesses pulling together to raise money for the RNLI, there is also a full programme of events for the public to enjoy – a full listing of events can be found here.

If you would like your business to promote Lifeboat Week, please give Weston RNLI a call on 01934 824587 or email rnli@amiconf.demon.co.uk and to find out specific details about events log onto http://www.facebook.com/pages/Weston-Lifeboat-Week-RNLI/137264399679798