The proprietors of a retro diner bar in Cheltenham that is steeped in family history are determined to keep the popular venue going.

Vickie Godding, co-owner of Smokey Joe's in Bennington Street, spoke to Punchline-Gloucester editor Mark Owen about her hopes of re-opening the diner next month and how TURF, the independent group of Cheltenham businesses, had helped them so much.

"We have a restaurant vibe as well as a bar and we have lots of different events," explained Vickie.

"We do the traditional diner style food and we have lots and lots of 50s style retro antiquities. It's kind of steeped in family history. We are a third generation of having a Smokey Joe'sYou've got this tradition behind you and we desperately want to make sure that we can keep going.

Smokey Joe's consists of a retro diner area, a glass-roofed room that feels it's outside, along with an 80s arcade room with video games including Space Invaders.

Since the first lockdown in March last year Vickie said they had been open just two and a half months.

But she said the TURF collaborative of independent businesses had been "brilliant". Every week we would have a zoom meeting which started off a bit like therapy!

"It's great to have other people in the same position as you. As time's gone on everybody's shared advice and information for reopening.

Smokey Joe's is hoping to reopen on May 21 and Vickie is busy trying to book music and comedy acts, as well as their monthly jazz club.

Smokey Joe's is also supporting the TURF's "The Very Very First Auction" which is offering dozens of great lots up for grabs.

Smokey Joe's auction prize is the best table for four people at its first jazz club after it reopens, along with dinner and drinks.

The auction is also supporting a local charity, so 5p in every £1 bid in the auction is going to National Star.

To view the active lots, visit www.turfcheltenham.co.uk/auction.

For further information on how it works visit: www.turfcheltenham.co.uk/the-very-very-first-auction

All auction details will be updated through TURF Cheltenham, and TURF members, social channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turfcheltenham/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turfcheltenham 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TURFcheltenham