THE COMMUNITY is rallying around the owner of a city centre bar which recently closed.

Alex Nettle has said he plans to return Kludo, on the corner of Brown Street and Milford Street venue to its previous heyday. 

The former tenant of Kludo Inc Tom Mundy announced earlier this month that the bar would be “permanently closing”.

But now owner Alex Nettle has said he will reopen the venue. 

Since the announcement, he says he has received an “outpouring of support” from members of the community, including two former employees who wanted to return to work at Kludo and Brett Williams of City Carpets on Brown Street, who offered to replace the carpeting in the bar with no payment upfront.

There are several repairs the business requires before reopening, such as issues with the wallpaper and the sound system, with further improvements planned after trading restarts.

Alex said: “Salisbury people are amazing, so many people have rallied together to help me.”

Alex originally planned to reopen by the last week of April, but after more assessment of work needed, the new target has been set to Friday, May 5.

The 18th century, Grade II* listed building was derelict when Alex took it over in 2004.

Over the years, Alex and his brother Tom built up a hugely successful business. 

His brother and their father, Chris, are helping him prepare the venue for the swift reopening.

Alex estimates that full restoration of the property will cost £50,000 with £3,000 needed for crucial work that must be completed as quickly as possible.

Donations to Alex have also been flooding in on GoFundMe, where he is hoping to raise £3,000 to get the project off the ground. 

He says on GoFundMe: "If you have ever had an incredible night in Kludo and want to see it back to it’s best and feel that you can spare £2-£5 that would be massively appreciated."

Alex wants to return Kludo to its former glory, with traditions such as the Toss the Boss game, where customers roll dice and get lower drink prices if they roll higher than Alex.

Alex said: “It’s great fun playing the game. That’s what you need for a place like this. It’s got to be owner-operator, building a rapport with your customers.”

You can view the fundraising page here at gofundme.com/f/make-kludo-great-again.

The Journal contacted Tom Mundy for more information but he declined to comment.