ONE of Southampton's leading music venues is to close for four months for a £500,000 refurbishment.

The Brook in Portswood Road - which has played host to performers such as Paul Young, the Silver Beatles and Steve Harley, stages just two more gigs, La Vida Santana tomorrow night and Whole Lotta Led on Saturday, before closing its doors until October.

Managers Bryn Lewis and Richard Davey will be doubling the venue's capacity to 600 and providing new amenities.

"There will be more room, increased seating, new toilets upstairs and downstairs, plus a chill-out area, but I would like to reassure our many friends that the basic design and feel of The Brook will not be changed at all," said Mr Lewis."The most important thing to me and Richard has been the loyalty of Brook supporters over the last ten years.

"What's special about The Brook is the quality of the staff who work for us and the fact that we attract genuine music-lovers."

The increased capacity will enable The Brook to put on even bigger names in the future, although established favourites will continue to be booked.

"With 70 to 80 per cent of gigs at the moment, we end up having to turn customers away," explained Mr Lewis.

The Brook's managers are also keen for suggestions from customers about artists they would like to see in the future.

The Brook became a dedicated music venue more than eight years ago and has staged about 2,300 gigs.

Negotiations are currently taking place with a major star to play the first gig in the improved venue later this year. The reopening is scheduled for Thursday, October 21.

For tickets and information for all Brook gigs call the box office on 023 8055 5366 or visit the website: www.the-brook.com