AN ICONIC seaside venue has changed ownership and is open for business promoting itself as one of the town’s hottest live music venues.

Barry Island's former Dolphin bar has reopened as The Seadog Tavern.

The venue has been jointly bought by Penarth resident, Brian Thornhill and Barry Island Pleasure Park owner, Henry Danter.

The premises, which already has a ‘4’ food hygiene rating from Vale council inspectors, is open to the public before it puts in place extensive refurbishments following the end of the traditional summer holiday season.

Mr Thornhill will run the venue with his son Bryan Thornhill, 37, and partner Andrea Matthews, 36.

The 59-year-old has links with the music industry – working with local musician Glen Powell who ran Sound Bank Studios (SBS), then based in an industrial unit in Blackwood,

Mr Powell produced and cut the Manic Street Preachers’ debut single, Suicide Alley, in 1988, while they were still an unsigned act.

Mr Thornhill hopes the family-run business will champion live music and is inviting up-and-coming acts to aspire for their big break by playing the venue.

He said: “I want it to be a live music venue and a platform for them to perform. They can do all sorts of music. We will not be selective here.”

He added: “It’s been a long, hard struggle to get to this point, but we are striving to make it better every day. We have got a long way to go, but hopefully we are going in the right direction.

“I feel very excited and grateful for the opportunity.

“Customers can expect a family-friendly atmosphere.”

The venue accepts bookings for private functions, wants to trade as a grill and seafood restaurant, and serves alcoholic sorbets.

There is also Pilsner Offshore – a lager exclusive to the Island, and outdoor seating.

The venue is open daily from 11am to 11.30pm.

For information, and to book, find Seadog Tavern on Facebook or email seadogtav@gmail.com