Globetrotting DJs come home to buy city bar

Three Preston DJs have bought the bar where it all started for them.
L-R:Nick Carter, Hiran Panchal and Ryan Peake outside BalugaL-R:Nick Carter, Hiran Panchal and Ryan Peake outside Baluga
L-R:Nick Carter, Hiran Panchal and Ryan Peake outside Baluga

Ryan Peake, Nick Carter and Hiran Panchal took over Baluga Bar in Preston’s Miller Arcade six weeks ago, and are throwing themselves into turning the venue into the city’s premier nightspot.

So far the trio, who have all worked at the venue as entertainment managers, have been carrying out improvements to the sound system and lighting, have made working practices more efficient, and have handpicked a new door team.

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A full refurbishment is planned for early next year, to be carried out by Ryan’s building team, which has already refurbished most of the bars in the city centre.

The team have taken over from previous owner Gary Meehan, who ran the business for more than a decade.

Nick, 32, said: “This was Gary’s baby and he wouldn’t have sold it to anyone else.

“He knows how to run a bar, and he was never wrong, but we want to put our stamp on it now.

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“We’re making this something Preston’s not had. We have a history of working with good names, we know a lot of artists personally.

“We’ve all DJed all over the world, come bome and bought the best club in Preston.

“We’ll be catering for all a mix of ages. It’s possible if you know what you’re doing.”

As part of the reshuffle, Baluga Kitchen, next to the bar, has now been let out to Chinese eatery Mr Lams, with plans to bring food into the bar.

Ryan said: “We’re not a restaurant, but we will be a cool bar with food.”

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