A snooker bar that has been catering to sports fans since 1985 is now under new ownership.

Rileys located in The Parade was under threat of closure earlier this year after the chain announced it had fallen into administration amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Morning Advertiser reported in July that insolvency specialists were seeking a buyer and that four of its 21 venues had already closed as a result of entering administration.

The Advertiser also reported that the chain's remaining 17 sites were expected to reopen once a buyer was found but said further closures weren't ruled out.

But the Watford branch is now under new ownership by Richard Pipe, 55, his son Tom Pipe, 25 and Andy Lavin, 45, who say they will bring "exciting changes" to the bar.

Andy, who has been playing snooker at the bar for the past 20 years said they will be completing "much needed" improvements and will rebrand it as Shots.

He said: "Snooker has always been an important part of my community – like any sport it is a great way to make friends and to improve your social skills.

"Rileys was a place where we made life-long friends and the opportunity to save it has became available and we’re committed to turn it into a great entertainment venue."

Richard, who has also been visting the club since it opened, said he was "disappointed" after hearing the chain entered adminstration but said it provided an opportunity to keep the Watford branch "alive".

He then explained that the process of gaining legal ownership took approximately four weeks after getting in touch with the administrators. But a reopening date has not been set.

The owners added that general manager Marco Bollella, 38, will also continue to work in the bar along with six members of staff who worked at Rileys.

Richard said: "It’s great because the bar will be run by people who love snooker.

"We will help new visitors to the club learn the rules so they can have a fun experience and have snooker for the older visitors, as well as English and American pool."

Tom said he hopes to make the bar "more attractive" to younger people in the town.

He added: "We want make it appealing to younger people so they feel comforable in this kind of environment and we can do this by brightening it up and bringing in some more lighting."

Tom added they they also hope to bring in a DJ and put on live events in the future. 

The owners added that Covid-19 measures will also be put in place prior to reopening to ensure the safety of customers.