Post Box Sports Bar will open in Basingstoke this week

The Post Box Sports Bar will open in the old Post Office building at the Top of Town on Friday, November 1, bringing a fresh lease of life to the area.

Featuring a variety of games including shuffleboard, pool and darts, plus an interactive sports simulator with more than 30 sports experiences, the bar promises to be a "hub for all occasions."

Wayne Lee-Buckland, operations director, said: "Whether you’re here to catch the game, challenge your friends to a round of professional darts, or test your skills on the sports simulator, there’s something for everyone.

READ MORE: Sneak peek inside new sports bar with shuffleboard, darts and immersive gaming

Wayne Lee-Buckland inside the Post Box during construction (Image: Sean Dillow)

"We’re confident The Post Box will quickly become the go-to venue for sports lovers and social groups in Basingstoke and beyond."

The Post Box is the creation of local businessmen Hayden Gowan, Wayne Lee-Buckland, and Paul Deaken.

Hayden Gowan, Owner of The Post Box, said: "We want The Post Box to be more than just a place to watch sports.

"It’s about creating an immersive, fun experience where people can enjoy great food, drinks, and games while connecting with others.

"We’re proud to bring this unique concept to Basingstoke, a town we love and want to see thrive."

Former manager of the Academy Social and Sports Club, in Buckskin, Wayne told the Gazette how he is "Creating an experience, not just a place where people are going out to get drunk, in an environment they can feel safe."

"The whole idea for this place is to entice people to come back out again and regenerate the Top of Town.

"When I was 18, you had Liquid, Chicagos and loads of places to go out at the weekend - Basingstoke's nightlife was phenomenal 20 years ago - but now it has sort of died off.

"I want to bring interactive sports to the town, the Pro Sports simulator is a great bit of kit, it's phenomenal, it's three-sided and you get completely submerged into it."

Wayne explained that the bar will offer a number of games and activities for people to enjoy, as well as a selection of food and drinks catering to everyone.

He said: "Obviously we'll be showing all the sports on Sky and TNT, there's also shuffleboard, pool and darts.

"There will be food as well. We're going to do 'Wing Wednesday' - a hottest wing challenge - and there will be a prize for the winner. 

"We're creating an experience, you don't just have to come here and get drunk, you can come out, play pool, play shuffleboard and watch tv.

"You can come here first then the rest of town could benefit if you go on a night out."

The building itself holds much history, and Wayne wants to pay homage with the decor.

The Post Box takes pride in its heritage, occupying the historic building of the town’s old post office. The name pays homage to the building’s history, combining the past with a fresh, modern experience for the community.

He said: "I wanted to keep the colours of the old Post Office, but it didn't really fit so we have gone a bit creative with it."

He added: "I don't just want us to be busy, I want everywhere to be busy, I want to promote every bar in the town centre.

"It means everyone is having more fun and it will be better for the town. I'm hoping we can succeed in doing it."