Far from open yet, The Khartoum is a new project which plans to convert a five-storey warehouse in St. Thomas Street into a 1,000 capacity Ministry Of Sound-style dance venue.

Their Public Entertainment Licence and planning permission have already been granted but apparently the backers pulled out of the hearing for their alcohol licence after much wrangling over the club's proposed capacity but may re-apply within 3 months. Police and local residents had withdrawn their objections but there was a lot of opposition from several of the main existing club operators in Bristol.

Despite all this there were plans to open it in April 1997 under the name "The Hanover Grand, Bristol", part of a growing chain of related clubs around the country, but yet again they're on hold as they were refused their alcohol licence and are taking the case to the high court.

It has to be asked whether we really need a MOS-style club here? I don't think so personally, that area of the market seems to be well covered with Club IQ (formerly Ritzy) moving that way too, but time will tell and if their minds are open it could be a useful venue.