Corrie’s Curly to open Brighton ‘dry bar’

A former star of Coronation Street is planning to open a new “dry bar” in Brighton to help recovering alcoholics.

Kevin Kennedy, who played Coronation Street’s Curly Watts, is hoping to open a “dry bar” in Brighton

Actor Kevin Kennedy, who played Norman “Curly” Watts for 20 years in the iconic UK soap, has announced that the venue will replace wine and beer with tea and mocktails, along with a selection of food.

Having overcome his own alcohol issues 16 years ago, Kennedy will be serving those striving for sobriety along with his wife Clare, also a recovering alcoholic.

Staff at the bar, set to be called Kennedy Street, will include ex-prisoners and recovering alcoholics.

Kennedy told the Mirror: “We’re hoping to provide a safe place for people in recovery to go to eat, drink and socialise.

“We want them to be able to come for an evening, sing karaoke or listen to a band.”

The actor is hoping to raise £100,000 locally to cover initial costs and rent, while there is also a possibility that the start-up will be broadcast as a fly-on-the-wall documentary.