Themed bars may be considered by some to be as passe as Abba or avocado bathroom suites, but a new sports-orientated Bradford watering hole could add some sophistication to the city.

And not many bars are designed by legendary rugby league players who combine crunching tackles with an abiding interest in art.

When the rugby-loving owner of Bradford's historic Victoria Hotel decided he wanted somewhere to reflect the Bulls' success, the first person he turned to for inspiration was veteran Kiwi half back Robbie Paul.

Unusually in RL circles, the Bulls' talented captain combines crushing the opposition with inspired portraits, landscapes and, these days, more symbolic canvases.

Influenced by artistic relatives from an early age, Robbie began painting at school. Although he once had a studio in Shipley, he has never exhibited his work. His latest paintings reflect Maori culture.

"Rugby's what I do but nothing makes my blood race quicker than art and the creative side of my life," said Robbie. "A lot of people say there's talent there."

Umesh Ummat, the hotel's owner, obviously agreed and eagerly sought out Robbie's advice for the new project.

"One thing I said to Umesh was that we didn't want a tacky bar," said Robbie. "I believe the Victoria is a landmark in Bradford and is a beautiful building in the heart of the city.

"I wanted to tie in the history of the city and give it the real taste and feel of rugby. This has been a learning curve and very refreshing."

Robbie said he felt the bar would complement the comprehensive regeneration programme unfolding in the city.

"People are putting a lot of money into this city," he said. "There's going to be a wider variety of clientele and everyone needs their own space. So it was hugely important to me that corners were not cut."

Mr Ummat, who acquired the Victoria in 2001, is not skimping on the prestige venue. Instead of cheap Chinese furniture he's buying solid Made In England stuff, costing four times as much.

He fell in love with the building's imposing architecture and wanted to preserve the feeling of quality.

"Robbie has a brilliant eye for colour and artwork," said Mr Ummat. "He helped choose the furniture and helped with the overall scheme. We want to model it on very comfortable surroundings with deep sofas, big wing chairs, palms and background music.

"Bradford has the West End for the younger crowd but there's nothing for 30-plus people where there isn't blaring music and can have coffee or a glass of wine."

He said the new bar would have good food and beverages, a games room and tasteful Bulls memorabilia. "There is potential. There are barristers, lawyers and theatre-goers nearby. We want to be up-market but not in a snobbish sense. It's not going to be expensive. It's something Bradford desperately needs.

Mr Umesh also owns The George Hotel, arguably the spiritual birthplace of rugby league and the location where the two codes finally split in 1895.

The Bulls' Bar will feature some of the iconic images of Odsal, such as the famous aerial shot of a world record in 1954 when more than 100,000 people were crammed inside.

Work on the bar starts soon and the refurbishment is due to be complete for a September opening. And the cost? No one is saying but it certainly won't be cheap.