IT IS being billed as the place to be for the city’s young and trendy - and those who want a taste of the action include a chart-topping local.

The Harbour House at the foot of Town Quay will be home to Coco Bar and Lounge when it opens this Friday by business partners Dowayne Neufville, Wesley Locke and Jamie Laretive.

Old Bellemoor school friend of Wesley and Dowayne, R&B singer Craig David, has sent a video message congratulating the team on their new venture and has told them to “get the tequilas ready, he is on his way.”

Coco Bar and Lounge will be serving Hampshire produced drinks including; ales from The Dancing Man Brewery, coffee from So Roast Coffee by Southampton entrepreneur, gin from Wight Mermaid Gin from the Isle of Wight and Gorilla Spirit Silverback gin from Hampshire – as well as larger brands.

An in-house mixologist will be serving cocktails specially designed for the venue and fresh coffee will be available throughout opening hours.

For the opening weekend, the three bar owners have opted to give a percentage of their proceeds to Southampton based charities; Two Saints, The Murray Parish Trust and The Saints Foundation.

There will be also be a charity raffle on both the Friday and the Saturday with an array of prizes up for grabs including signed merchandise from the Seven Days singer, Craig David.

“We are all passionate about helping others and giving back to the Southampton community. We are in a position where we are fortunate enough to help better the city,” said Dowayne, a father of two from Bitterne.

The venue will be open throughout the week. Sunday to Thursday the lounge will be open via the rear entrance from 5pm until 11pm. Both the bar and lounge will be open Friday from 8pm until 4am, which will be an over 21s only event and Saturday from 10pm until 4am which will be over 25s.

“The bar is not specifically non-student, however there are enough venues in the city that cater to the student demographic. This is a place for the young professional and an older clientele – a young place for a mature person,” said Dowayne, who grew up in Millbrook.

Between the owners, they have almost thirty years in the bar and nightclub industry.

The friends decided to embark on the venture whilst working as security guards at another Southampton venue.

Jamie, who studied Business Management at Southampton Solent University said: “The bar and Nightclub industry has always interested me and I have always wanted to put my own take on it. This was the right opportunity at the right time.”

The owners only gained access to the venue in October but have completely re-vamped what was previously Club Rosso. Wesley, from Regents Park, who also owns the construction business Home Improvements Limited and his team have redecorated the venue. The father of one even had the time to create a chair specially made for taking selfies. Dowayne’s partner Helena also painted bespoke art work on the walls.

To mark the opening Craig recorded a personal message of support, wishing his friends well in their new venture.