FIFTEEN jobs are being served up at a new Port Glasgow pub after an Inverclyde businessman spent a five-figure sum transforming a former bookmakers.

David Carroll is preparing to launch The Caledonian Bar on Princes Street in what was formerly a betting shop next to the Bank of Scotland.

The businessman, who runs the successful Carrolls Furniture business in Greenock's George Square, bought the premises after it was put up for sale following the departure of bookmaker Betfred.

Extensive work has been on the go over the last two months to turn the tired betting shop into a trendy new bar, which is due to launch on Friday.

David told the Tele: "We've been working on it for eight to 10 weeks. "A substantial amount of work has been done. "Every wall has been replaced, the roof has been fixed and and all the wiring has been renewed."

David, originally from Branchton, has vast experience in the licensed trade industry, particularly in the popular Spanish holiday resort of Magaluf where he spent 15 years running nightclubs like Bananas and Carwash and rubbed shoulders with famous DJs and other celebrity guests before moving back home and setting up his furniture business.

He recently moved to Port Glasgow with his fiancée, whom he is set to marry next year, and believes he has spotted a gap in the market in the town centre.

David said: "I worked in Spain and ran nightclubs there. "After 15 years there I moved back here.

"It's been well documented that the Port is on the rise and there's nowhere like this in the town for people to go with their wife or partner, for example. "People are going for the train and leaving the area for a night out.

"This is somewhere nice, clean and fresh for people to enjoy."

The name of the bar was chosen by the public in a poll and around 15 staff taken on.

Live sport will be shown, there will be regular entertainment and the kitchen will open in January serving a range of meals and snacks.

David said: "I've got a business in Greenock as well and the reason it's gone so well is because of the people of Inverclyde supporting it.

"This is something for the people of Port Glasgow."