Final preparations are under way to launch the latest in string of business ventures by Birmingham businessman Lawrence Barton.

The city entrepreneur is unveiling his latest bar called Queer Street on Thursday September 27.

The venue, formerly known as Purple Bar & Lounge, in Hurst Street, closed in August and has, since then, undergone extensive refurbishment.

Barton said: “We announced the refurbishment of the bar and are now happy to officially unveil it as Queer Street. The name ties in with the history of the bar’s sister business The Nightingale which historically had a Queer Street night many years ago.”

The acquisition of the bar in the city’s vibrant Southside follows the buyout of the Nightingale late last year by Mr Barton.

It is the latest acquisition for Lawrence Barton and his family business GB Holdings Ltd who rescued the club after the Kent Street venue went into administration.

Mr Barton also runs the successful Loft Lounge, Penthouse, and Village Inn venues in Southside.

Queer Street will reopen on September 27 and the owners say it will offer an affordable night out on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday nights and has secured seven jobs.

David Nash, group operations director for GB Holdings Ltd, said the new venue was in response to a gap in the market in the city’s gay village.

He said: “This is a unique opportunity to create a venue that will enhance the choice currently available within the gay village and Southside.”

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