Artist's seaside bar opens tonight

Controversial artist Damien Hirst’s new bar in a Devon seaside resort opens tonight.

He has bought Number 11 The Quay, a former pub overlooking the harbour in Ilfracombe, north Devon.

Tonight the first stage of his project, a cocktail bar serving mezze and tapas food, opens to the public.

General manager Ivan Rees said the launch would be “fairly low-key” and added that Hirst was not expected to make an appearance this evening.

He said: “I very much doubt that Damien Hirst will be coming down. He normally shies away from this kind of thing.

“He may well bring some guests down this weekend.”

A restaurant in the same building will open within the next few weeks.

Hirst, famous for his pickled cows and sheep art works, intends to decorate the walls of Number 11 The Quay with hand-picked artworks expected to include some of his own pieces.