"eliminate misconceptions''.

Management for The Escape Nightclub, now called The Lava Lounge, spent about $25,000 on renovations last month.

Club owner Paul DeCouto said he wants to add the lounge concept while toning down the club scene.

Changes include new stages, lighting equipment, seating areas, furniture and a posh VIP section.

The VIP section is set on a raised platform, behind curtains and decked out with leather couches and leopard-print rugs.

The facility still has a dance floor and state of the art sound system.

At the bar, draft beer was added and additional new staff include a familiar face from a popular Front Street establishment as well as a 20-year veteran of Bermuda's hospitality industry.

Mr. DeCouto said: "We don't want to be a night club anymore. We want to give people more than a place to dance.

"We want to give people a place to chill out and make it an experience with good service and good music.'' Long-time patron, Thomas Willet, who helped remodel the club, said the renovations give the night spot a "friendly environment''.

"It's going to make the club more mature, less gimmicky and give patrons a better atmosphere to converse.''