The Docksiders bar on Front Street will tomorrow stage a grand re-opening after refurbishments to coincide with the opening day of football's World Cup.

Co-owner Reed Young said the changes were aimed at adding a sense of brightness and space in the premises, making it a better venue for live music and for watching sports.

"We're constantly spending on improving our infrastructure, but people don't really notice it," Mr. Young said.

"But once every five to 10 years, you've got to put some money in the business, so people notice it."

The pub has removed a wall that has opened up the back section of the bar and has fixed more huge flat-screen televisions to the walls, with high-definition TV capability.

Extra seats have also been brought in. There will be more wait staff, meaning customers will not need to go to the bar so often to order. The bar reopened on May 15 after being closed for a month for the improvements.

"I don't want to lose what Docksiders is all about," Mr. Young said. I just want to step it up a notch."

Mr. Young took over at Docksiders in 1994 at the age of 26 and his co-owners are Anthony White and Chris Trott. It has around 15 full-time and 10 part-time staff.

Tomorrow night's grand opening is well timed, as South Africa take on Mexico to open the month-long football World Cup.

Excitement is building for what experts consider one of the most open World Cups in memory.

"So much negative has been going on over the last couple of years, with recessions and oil spills," Mr. Young said. "There is just a feeling now that the World Cup is something positive that people can get excited about."