WORK has begun on transforming the Cabot 5 Bars on Weston’s seafront - and the Mercury can exclusively reveal the new name and opening date.

Pub-goers in the resort have been eagerly anticipating the fate of the seafront bar which was bought by JD Wetherspoon last year.

It has been boarded up for weeks and despite many rumours about its future, a planning application to transform the bar and adjoining hotel were submitted last month.

Revellers will be able to check out the new granite bars, refurbished d�cor and seating areas from July 19 and its new name will be The Venetian Trader.

A spokesman from Wetherspoon said: “A research report was compiled and the winning title pipped The Great Admiral, The White Cross, The Leeves Inn, The Ancient Briton and The Blue Parrot, to the post.

“Each name had a significant historical relevance to Weston but we decided on The Venetian Trader as that was Italian-born navigator John Cabot’s profession.”

Cabot 5 Bars was originally the smaller Cabot Hotel, which opened in 1928, and remained with the Haskins family for about 80 years.

If the plans are approved by North Somerset Council the ground floor bar will be known as the ‘explorers’ bar’ and will be themed around the Matthew ship, which John Cabot set sail in in 1947.

Reclaimed teak joinery detail will be used for the cupboards, bottles will be displayed in a ship style crows nest and a map of John Cabot’s voyage will be painted above the ceiling.

The proposal for the Knightstone Road site also includes retaining the hotel on the upper floors and 20 bedrooms will be refurbished and have en suite bathrooms added.

There will be a dance floor and first floor toilets will be removed to provide a larger customer area.