A popular bar which closed suddenly on Tuesday is to reopen in just over a week under new management.

The popular Bar Three Zero in Bank Street, Ashford, closed this week to the shock of bar staff who knew nothing of a change in licensees until people from the brewery, Punch Taverns, turned up and closed the pub.

Punch Taverns, which owns the bar but lets it to licensees, says it will reopen on Saturday, August 8.

A spokesman for Punch Taverns said: “We can confirm that new licensees will be taking on Bar Three Zero. They are currently undertaking some redecoration work and plan to re-open on August 8. The new licensees have our full support in building a successful, sustainable business.”

The name of a Facebook group, which has nearly 1,000 members, was changed on Thursday from “3ZERO Cocktail Bar & Nightclub” to “Kent Club Culture”.

A message posted to members of the newly-named group on the social-networking website says: “As the bar is no more and we wanted to keep the community spirit, we’ve decided to change this group to a generic group making you aware of club and bar nights that are happening in and around the area.”

A message from the bar manager posted on social networking website earlier in the week said: "To everyone who has fond memories of the best bar in Ashford. "As you all may or may not have heard there have been rumours circulating that 3zero will be shutting. As off 2pm this afternoon (Tuesday) this has happened. The bar closed its doors for the final time.

"I would at this time like to thank all the supporters/friends that have made the bar what it was and made it a great pace to work. So on behalf of my staff and myself I would like to say its been a pleasure entertaining you and making your nights fun and eventful and we are sorry for any let downs that you may have experienced...

"I can at this time inform you that Bar Vasa have taken over the bar, you may know them from Sandgate and their new Bar at the Quaterhouse in Folkestone and their plan is to re-open on Saturday the 8th of August. Watch this space for more details.

"Once again it has been a pleasure getting to know you all and we appreciate all the business and support you have brought us over the years. Kind regards, Shaun Mccleland 3Zero"