£1m plan for Irish bar at derelict site
A CARDIFF bar that has been derelict for more than a year looks set to be turned into an Irish bar in time for Christmas.
The former live music bar and restaurant Miss Jones in Whitchurch has been empty after the venue closed, but now it has been announced there will be a £1m investment to turn it into a bar called Jack Russell’s.
The Irish Bar Group has earmarked this location for the first of three new Jack Russell’s bars & kitchens coming to Cardiff.
The Whitchurch venue will be the first to open this winter after a £1m investment and refurbishment project.
It is hoped the trio of bars could bring more than 100 jobs to the city.
The second venue is planned for the old building next door to Gareth Bale’s pub Eleven’s.
Scaffolding went up on the Whitchurch building, which had become come a pigeon-infested eyesore, last ast week and the builders have e told local residents they are e hoping it will be ready in eight ht to nine weeks – just in time for or Christmas. The bar will be open n seven days a week and will offer er classic Irish breakfasts from m 9am and food throughout the he day.
A spokesman for the firm m said: “The menus will take ke inspiration from traditional al brasseries and grills with an authentic Irish twist. Burgers, rs, steaks and typical Irish meals like Boxty, will be available for you to sink your teeth into. The drinks will be an eclectic mix of premium brands and time-honoured Irish classics.
“These will be surrounded by specialist Irish whiskey, gin and other spirits that will complement an exclusive cocktail menu.”
There will also be live Irish music during the day and live bands at night. There will be a large outdoor area at t the back of the building and a r roof terrace.
The news has been welcomed c locally. Businessman Tom Champ, who owns the Play Loft, said: “The old Miss Jones building has been an eyesore at the heart of the village for a long time.
“It’s difficult times for the high street, so its good to see a new business opening, offering something different to the village.
“Hopefully it will be an attraction and help us all by bringing more footfall and new customers.”
Graham Morgan, of Business Doctors Cardiff and former director of South Wales Chamber of Commerce, has been helping the investors.
He added: “The thought and imagination that has gone in to developing the concept behind Jack Russell is quite amazing and it will certainly create a new offering for the social scene of our capital city.
“Restoring what was an iconic venue in the heart of Whitchurch village will have benefits to many other businesses in the vicinity.”