A FATHER and son duo have converted a former city centre Chinese shop into a cocktail and champagne lounge. 

One Oxford, on Southampton's Oxford Street, will serve classic cocktail drinks and put on live performances by Sax players, DJs and local musicians. 

Co-owner Ricky Kanda, 23, said: “My dad and I are quite close, and he always likes to try new things.

"During the lockdown, we acquired this building. At first, we planned to convert it into a block of flats. But then, my dad suggested the idea of transforming it into a cocktail lounge. 

“Together, we spent months on the interior designing and designing a delicious food and drinks menu for our customers. 

“Having never worked in the hospitality industry, I had no idea how to operate a bar. However, we had a lot of help from the council, the police, and the licensing officer."

He added: “My vision for the bar is to create a multicultural place in Southampton, where people from all ethnicities can come together and have a great time. 

The venue will also hold stand-up comedy evenings, hen and birthday parties, and Arabian nights with performances by Southampton belly dancers.

Ricky’s father Manoj said: “Our staff are well trained and oversee that our guests are safe while also having fun. 

“The bar is stocked with fine wines, whiskies, vodka, cognac, and gin that hold rich flavours, and our guests have the option of ordering cocktails off the menu.”

To book a table visit: www.oneoxford.co.uk/about-us