An upmarket lounge and nightclub is set to open at the former home of Boston Brothers in the town centre.

Balkumari Roka decided to set up The Power Lounge in January and has spent the last five months getting ready for opening night with help from partner Sandeep Poudel

Its garden restaurant has already welcomed its first customers, serving up Asian, Turkish and American dishes, while the interior of the former Bridge Street home of Boston Brothers and Edge is being redecorated.

Balkumari came up with the idea and got the ball rolling and Sandeep is overseeing some of the preparation.

Balkumari said: “When we found out this building was on sale, we were keen to buy it and transform it into something different.

“I’ve been working hard on this for months with my partner, we both have a lot of passion for the project, he has good business knowledge, and we’re trying to build something great together.

“It’s been tough but the support we’ve had has been amazing.We want to be a family-friendly place with a proper lounge where you can come for some nice food and cocktails during the day. Three weeks in, it’s been great so far.

“We’re building an upstairs room that’s more exclusive than the ground floor area, with a high-end bar and drinks.

“Swindon needs a place like this, it’s exciting, I think there’s nowhere else like it that has all this in one place.”

Several events are planned over the summer and the grand opening party is pencilled in for June 21, when lockdown restrictions are expected to ease.

Part of the profits from certain club nights will go to charities like The Veterans Hub, Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, and Brighter Futures.

And the club has thrown its backing behind Swindon Town FC, Swindon Cricket Club and the Swindon Wildcats.

Balkumari added: “We have so many bookings already. We are hoping to open the club on June 21 and keeping our fingers crossed, but if that’s not possible, then we’ll just have to delay it. We’re just waiting for the Government to confirm when the rules will be relaxed.

“We delivered 100 meals to Great Western Hospital on Tuesday night and we’re looking forward to supporting our frontline heroes in any way we can at this tough time.”