Gareth Bale’s golf-themed bar on course for next year
GARETH BALE has announced revised plans to open a golf-themed bar in the Welsh capital.
The Wales and Real Madrid forward – whose love of golf is well-known – is the partner in Par 59, a new bar, restaurant and mini-golf venue which is opening in Cardiff city centre next year. The bar will take over the huge 23,000sq ft site of the former Liquid/Life nightclub on St Mary Street in spring 2022.
Developed by the team behind Cardiff’s The Depot, the venue was originally to be based in the 18,000sq ft basement of the Capitol Shopping Centre in the city centre. Draft plans indicated two adult-only mini-golf courses, two large bar and dining rooms and two independent street food kitchens.
However, after a number of delays due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent restrictions, work on the original site stalled. But developers say when a larger new city-centre premises came to the market, the Par 59 team decided to scale up their ambitions.
Now, the extra 5,000sq ft allows the bar to add a third mini-golf course – taking the venue from two 12-hole courses to three nine-hole courses, which are currently being built by local company Wild Creations. A new billiards room will also be based on the second floor.
Par 59 marks a second step into the hospitality sector for the star footballer, following the opening of Elevens Bar & Grill in Cardiff in 2017.
The new bar is the result of a partnership between Bale’s company Elevens Group Ltd and The Depot, one of Wales’ most successful independent entertainment brands.
The footballer’s love of golf has always been evident. In 2019, he caused a storm by celebrating Wales’ Euro 2020 qualification with a flag that had “Wales. Golf. Madrid... In that order” written on it. The flag was seen as a tongue-in-cheek dig at critics in the Spanish media who claimed his priorities lay with international football – and golf – over commitments to Real Madrid.
Announcing the new bar, Gareth said: “I’m delighted to be working with a group of independent Welsh businesses to finally bring Par 59 to Cardiff. For me, it’s all about creating safe, fun environments where people can enjoy something a bit different, play golf and meet with friends.”
Nick Saunders, founder and managing director of The Depot, explained: “The last 18 months have been a huge challenge, and the delays have been stressful and frustrating, putting all of our original plans back by almost two years. However, we are committed to Par 59 and really looking forward to the final push as we prepare to open.”
Cardiff-based Paramount Interiors has been contracted for the £1.2m fit-out.
Richard Jones, managing director at Paramount Interiors, said: “Par 59 is a unique addition to Cardiff’s iconic St Mary Street, and it’s a pleasure to be appointed on such an exciting scheme. Despite coming up against challenges whilst trying to move this project forward during the midst of Covid-19, the whole project team now look forward to successfully delivering Par 59 in time for people to enjoy come spring next year.”