A POPULAR bar in Southampton is under new management.

The Wild Lime Bar, on Portswood Road, has been acquired by Southampton-based bar and club duo Piers Kannangara and Thomas Dyer, who also operate Heartbreakers Bar in the city.

The business was secured from previous owners Abbey Inns by leisure property specialists Davis Coffer Lyons, who assigned the lease on their behalf.

Mr Kannangara and Mr Dyer founded their group in 2017 and intend to retain much of the character of the current bar and its format while incorporating elements of its other operation in Southampton.

The Wild Lime Bar has become a staple drinking spot in Portswood and offers a variety of sport to watch, food and drink to enjoy as well as music.

Mr Kannangara also owns and operates The Social Bar, located between London Road and Beford Place, and was also the founder and co-owner of Addict Clothing, a popular streetwear brand of clothing.

Mr Dyer founded Psychedelia Ltd in 2011, which is a live music promotion company.

He works at the grass roots level with some of the biggest named artists in the UK and rest of the world and was voted in the top 3 independent promoters in the UK in the last two years at the live music awards.

Keith Goodwin, associate director at Davis Coffer Lyons said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to acquire a great late-night venue. Piers and Thomas have an excellent understanding of the bar and club scene in Southampton and we have no doubt that it will be a great addition to their growing group.”

The company confirmed that all the staff present on the day of completion transferred with the sale, so will stay on unless they choose to leave.

The bar’s name will remain.