Axe-throwing bar and restaurant likely to be approved next week

AN application for a new Inverness bar and restaurant where competitive axe-throwing will be held is being considered by councillors next week.

No objections or representations have been received against the plans for Playback in the former Ponden Interiors store on Academy Street, according to a report to be considered by the Highland Licensing Board next Tuesday.

Police, fire service and NHS Highland were included in the consultation process.

And the innovative plans to open the four-storey games bar complex in Inverness city centre received a hugely positive response on social media.

Read more on the new bar here:

https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/sneak-peak-excitement-builds-over-ambitious-four-storey-gam-302212/

While the main entrance is via the former Pondens shop, there is also a back door into the Victorian Market's arcade off the Queensgate.

Playback will consists of a bar and restaurant, small lower enclosed roof terrace and a larger roof terrace with views over the Victorian Market.

Business partners Taran Campbell and David Montgomery want to redevelop 27-31 Academy Street with the pub and restaurant over four floors, creating up to 30 jobs.

Mr Campbell is hopeful the ambitious venture could be up and running in late spring or early summer, and the entrepreneurs have been invited to a next week's board meeting.

The Licensing Standards Officer (LSO) reported they had visited the premises and found they were suitable for their prospective use.

Their report stated: "The specification of the premises is based on a successful concept from England, whereby the traditional bar offering of food and alcohol takes place in an environment where games such as skittles, shuffleboard, table tennis and axe throwing are offered to customers, creating a recreational, as opposed to a solely drinking environment.

"In the opinion of the LSO the operating plan meets the standards of the licensing objectives.

"The LSO has also recommended a specific condition, to ensure adequate supervision of the axe throwing activity to assist in maintaining public safety."

Special conditions will be that axe throwing shall only take place under the dedicated supervision of a staff member, and all axes not being used for throwing shall be securely retained by staff.

Mr Campbell stressed there would be stringent controls in place, as seen at similar venues elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

It would be a sober and heavily-supervised pursuit, with special safety cages installed for the thrower and a one-person per cage rule and staff on hand at all times to direct participants.

Axe-throwing has gained popularity as a pursuit elsewhere in the UK and in the USA.

Mr Campbell – who with Mr Montgomery launched and runs Infinity Trampoline Park outlets in Inverness and Cardiff – described the investment as a vote of confidence in his home city.

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