Work has started on the redevelopment of the former Bar Room Bar pizzeria and cocktail lounge at The Mailbox.

It is due to open in March as Gas Street Social and is backed by the Birmingham Post's and Bournville College's Regional Growth Fund initiative.

Bar Room Bar closed in November after it lease ran out and Mailbox bosses said at the time negotiations had already started potential new occupiers.

The new 4,300 sq ft venue is currently undergoing a £750,000 refurbishment programme which has been designed by Jewellery Quarter-based Spencer Swinden.

Shaker Group, a bar consultancy, training and events company which helped to train staff at Lost & Found in Birmingham, is behind the venue which will serve UK and European food to share and a speciality drinks and cocktail menu.

Shaker Group, which is made up of husband and wife team Adam and Theresa Freeth, garnered support from the Regional Growth Fund, which has seen the Birmingham Post, and its partner Bournville College, award Gas Street Social with a grant of £100,000.

Mr Freeth said: "We are delighted to be amongst such great company here at the Mailbox and, as a Birmingham-based company, we're excited to be opening this venue on home soil.

"We've brought together a fantastic team to create an incredible design and food and beverage offer, which we believe will be a great addition to the new Mailbox and Birmingham's world-class culinary scene."

David Pardoe, retail manager at The Mailbox, added: "Gas Street Social is a fantastic addition to our existing food and drink offering, which has continued to thrive throughout our redevelopment."