Kori Iceton and Loree Hubner think it鈥檚 time for a new influx of nightlife in downtown Penticton.

Don鈥檛 get the wrong idea, though: soon-to-be-open The Hub on Martin is not about to become a nightclub.

Its concept may be simple but also one that鈥檚 long been desired, according to the new business owners: neighbourhood-pub friendliness during the day, and live-music energy at night.

鈥淚 think there鈥檚 a need for it in this town,鈥� Hubner said.

Iceton and Hubner, who met just two months ago, recently finalized a deal to buy Tug鈥檚 Taphouse at 260 Martin Street. The revived version of the pub will open in June.

Its interior will mostly look familiar to those who鈥檝e grabbed a drink or bite to eat at Tug鈥檚 before its closing in 2020, with new additions including a stage for live entertainment, dance floor aimed to please rock-music lovers and up to 12 indoor bike racks by the front door.

鈥淲e don鈥檛 want to be a nightclub, but we want to offer that nightlife,鈥� Iceton said.

鈥淚 would want Penticton to know that there鈥檚 going to be a few big changes, but other than that, Tug鈥檚 has a great neighbourhood-pub vibe already and we鈥檙e going to stick with that and grow in the years to come.鈥�

Iceton has spent the last 12 years as Barley Mill Brew Pub鈥檚 events manager. Her new business partner, Hubner, leads efforts at the rock club Blue Gator in 琉璃神社.

The latter says that The Hub on Martin has already booked a handful of fan-favourite bands that appear regularly at the 琉璃神社 spot.

鈥淭here鈥檚 going to be something for everyone and once people start to know the band rotations, they鈥檒l start to figure out their favourites,鈥� Hubner said.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of Penticton folks who drive down to The Gator just to go dancing,鈥� Iceton added.

Live music at 鈥淭he Hub鈥� will start at 9 p.m., from Thursday to Sunday.

Along with 鈥渢ypical pub food with some healthier options, Iceton says that there will also be an express menu for nearby residents and downtown workers looking for a lunchtime meal.

Approximately 20 of the pub鈥檚 patio seats will stay intact, the owners added.

As of May 17, Iceton and Hubner say the pub is on track to open sometime in early June.

鈥淲e love all the buzz around it and all the support, it makes us feel like we鈥檙e doing the right thing,鈥� Iceton said with a laugh.

logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com