Orange Tree set to open two nightspots

East Midlands pub operator Orange Tree is branching out into nightclubs with plans to open its first two venues in the near future.

The group, which currently operates five pubs, has taken on the private lease of the Basement club in Leicester and is to re-open the site in May or June.

The Basement will offer live music on some nights, a late-night bar on others, and a more traditional nightclub at weekends.

Managing director Ben Hings said: "The Basement will be an eclectic mix of all the elements of our other establishments. Our aim is to create a venue that's flexible in what it offers, and centred on the same principles that have made the Orange Tree bars and pubs successful and popular with customers."

Work is now underway to transform the 170-capacity club, which is licensed until 6am. Hings said the company hopes to complete on a freehold bar in Loughborough, Leicestershire, next week — with a plan to operate the site as a late-night venue.

The aim is for the site to complement an existing Orange Tree venue in Loughborough, a Punch leasehold pub called the Orange Tree.

Hings said the firm was "certainly looking at other sites" but nothing is confirmed. The firm, founded by Hings and Gareth Smith in 1997, also operates pubs under the Orange Tree name in Leicester and Nottingham, along with O Bar and the Lansdowne in Leicester.