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 formerly 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 £1 million investment to turn it into a bar called Jack Russell's.
The Irish Bar Group have earmarked this location for the first of three new Jack Russell’s bars & kitchens coming to Cardiff, creating 100 jobs in the city. The first will be opening this winter after a £1m investment and refurbishment project, creating over 100 jobs in the city centre.
The second site is planned for the old building next door to Gareth Bale’s pub Eleven's.
Scaffolding went up on the Whitchurch building, that had become a pigeon-infested eyesore, earlier this week and the builders have told local residents they are hoping that it will be ready in eight to nine weeks - just in time for Christmas.
The bar will be open seven days a week and will office classic Irish breakfasts from 9am and food throughout the day.
A spokesman for the firm said: "The menus will take inspiration from traditional brasseries and grills with an authentic Irish twist. Burgers, 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 compliment 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 the back of the building and a roof terrace.
The news has been welcomed locally.
Local 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 said: "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.”
