THE team behind the Boom Battle Bar have spent 12 months getting it all ready and are delighted to finally see happy customers enjoy what they have to offer.

The venue covers 15,000 square foot overall and has brought a total of 50 new full-time and part-time jobs to the area.

Events manager James Harper said: “We are massively excited to be open. This is something Swindon has never seen so to bring a competitive gaming bar to Regent Circus is a big deal for us.

“My favourite thing to play has got to be the axe-throwing. I’m not very good at it, I’m still practicing, but it’s a lot of fun. It’s not all power, it’s the technique that’s key.”

The venue’s franchisee and owner James Wilson added: “We are so gassed. It’s been a 12-month slog to get to this point and there have been lots of ups and downs, but we are pumped to be here.

“The pandemic caused challenges, with the lockdowns hitting the hospitality industry hard and causing difficulties with recruiting staff, but we are committed to this and hopefully it will go from strength to strength.

“This is a big part of the rejuvenation of Regent Circus. We know it’s gone through some tough times but this is a new era and we are here to stay.

“My favourite games is the shuffleboard because it’s simple but competitive, but there’s something for everyone here.

Coun Garry Perkins said: “It’s a great entertainment centre. Covid took its toll on this part of the town centre so we need this energy back and more reasons for people to come here.

“It’s a great addition to the night-time economy, it’s something different, and it’s what we need in Swindon. I wish them luck. They must have a lot of faith in it to invest so much into it.”

The company hopes to eventually have a venue in every major town and city in the UK.

The adventure bar has existing branches in Cardiff and Norwich with plans to open in Oxford, Liverpool, Eastbourne, Leeds and Manchester.

News of the new Swindon venue being in the pipeline first broke in March when AGD Nine filed a licensing application.

It asked Swindon Borough Council for permission to serve alcohol, host sporting events and play music between 11am and midnight every day within four Regent Circus units.

Work began in July after this was approved.