A NEW bar could soon be opening in the centre of Prestwick.

One of the UK's largest pub operators has confirmed that they will take on the former Caprice bar and restaurant in the town's Main Street.

The popular food and drink spot closed shortly after the busy festive period.

It brought to an end a spell of nearly two decades in town for the business, which was operated by the same company who still own three venues in Ayr - the Meridian and the Ayrshire and Galloway Hotel in Killoch Place, and The Growler in nearby Beresford Terrace.

Following the closure of Caprice, the departing team thanked all the friends who have supported them over the years.

They have also begun selling some of the contents from inside the venue.

But it has now been confirmed that the prime Main Street location will not be left vacant for long, after leading pub operators Amber Taverns confirmed that they had taken on the premises.

The business confirmed the news to the Advertiser after it was noted that the premises licence for Caprice had been transferred to the company.

The Prestwick venue will become only the seventh venue operated in Scotland by Amber Taverns, who own more than 160 public houses across the UK.

The company already operates two busy venues in Ayrshire - The Northern Way in Irvine, which only began trading in June, and The Standing Man in Kilmarnock.

Amber Taverns say they have the keys for their latest venue in Prestwick, but are still awaiting finalised plans for how they will refurbish the premises.

READ MORE: A first look inside The Northern Way bar after refurb (from our sister paper the Irvine Times)

After taking over the former R&A Sports Bar in Irvine, Amber Taverns spent around £500,000 refurbishing the venue.

The company says it is "passionate about our public houses and the communities that they serve".

Information on their website adds: "We ensure that they are refurbished to a very high standard and offer a fantastic drinks selection and audio visual package including the full BT and Sky Sports portfolio."