A SWISH bar restaurant famed for being the favourite haunt of David and Victoria Beckham is to take up a prime riverside location in York.

Negotiations over bringing a Living Room bar to the ground floor of the Merchant Exchange on the River Ouse at Bridge Street are almost complete.

Living Room bars in cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and London are famed for being a social retreat for Premiership footballers and other high-profile celebrities.

Spokesman Paul Newman was formerly the general manager at the Living Room in Manchester where he regularly welcomed the England soccer captain and his wife.

He said the company is well-known for its connection with Premiership footballers and for providing a relaxed and vibrant scene bar.

But he added that its values of "accessible exclusivity" with good service, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere were enjoyed by all.

Parent company Living Ventures has set aside more than £1 million to fit out the riverside property with an integrated bar and restaurant.

Meanwhile ongoing construction work is breathing new life in to the formerly-derelict Merchant Exchange building on Queen's Staith. It will also eventually house York's first £1million apartment.

The business, which is expected to open its doors in February 2004, will employ up to 50 people including managers, bar staff and kitchen workers. As well as food and drinks, the venue will host live music seven nights a week, based around a white baby grand piano.

The group has opened six bars across the UK since it was set up in 1999 and has plans to unveil a further eight from Edinburgh to Brighton.

He said: "We offer something different with a friendly, warm, safe atmosphere and good service.

"I think the Living Room will fit in very nicely with York to be honest."

Updated: 11:02 Saturday, April 05, 2003