New 'interactive competitive sports bar' to open in Belfast this weekend

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Three Sheets features pool, darts, arcades, with food from a former Trademarket vendor

The hospitality team behind Belfast's Common Market street food venue has launched a new sports bar in the city.

Three Sheets opens at The Marcus Ward complex at Bankmore Square on Friday evening.

The venue, located behind the former Trademarket site on Dublin Road, has been styled as an 'interactive competitive sports bar', featuring pool tables, darts, arcade machines and multiple TV screens for live sports events.

Ex-Trademarket vendor Rebel & Ruse has been appointed as the food operator for Three Sheets.

The venue is the latest venture from the Belfast hospitality team led by Lawrence Bannon.

The portfolio includes Common Market, Lux, 39 Gordon Street and The Chester on the Antrim Road.

Mr Bannon is also behind the expansion of the Black Sheep coffee franchise in Northern Ireland.

The group's latest investment is the part of the growing trend in hospitality of embracing leisure and interactive games.

The site, previously associated with Stiff Kitten and the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory, is located next to three major student accommodation developments, which are under construction on the Dublin Road and Great Victoria Street.

It's understood the longer-term plans involve expanding Three Sheets into the entire Marcus Ward premises, to offer an expanded range of interactive games and activities.

"It's obviously a trend we're seeing across hospitality," said the group's marketing manager Anthony Morrissey.

"We've also looked at the location and the fact there are two to three new student accommodation buildings being built in the area.

"We're getting it up and going now, getting the name out there, so when those students eventually move in, we're right on their door step.

"The building work makes it difficult for us at the minute, as we're quite hidden from the Dublin Road.

"So we're keen to make people aware where we are."

He said food is another key component, with popular Trademarket tenant Rebel & Ruse offering smoked meats, sliders and pizza slices.

Three Sheets opens to the public from 6pm on Friday August 1.

The venue will initially operate across five days (Wednesday to Sunday), opening 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and from noon/1pm from Friday to Sunday.