£1.1m conversion of York night venue to create 30 new jobs

A historic, Grade-II listed property known as The Parish is set to reopen as Jalou York under new owner Cairn Group.

This new venue will be the brand’s first to open outside of Newcastle.

Operating as a late night venue, Jalou York will offer mixed cocktails and R&B music, mirroring its sister site in Newcastle which originally launched in October 2011.

The brand conversion will see an investment of £1.1m and up to 30 new jobs created, with roles including bartenders and hosts, as well as existing staff being retained.

All areas of the bar will be attended to during the refurbishment works across both floors, including the addition of a second bar in what will become a VIP area on the mezzanine level, a new DJ booth, new flooring, seating and décor as well as the installation of a feature chandelier in the centre of the dance floor.

Set to be unveiled on Good Friday (14th April), Jalou York will be open seven days a week, and will also offer cocktail masterclass sessions for groups and regularly host both resident and guest DJs.

Cairn Group, the North East-based hotel and bar operator, acquired The Parish, occupying an 11th century grade II-listed church development, in August 2016.

Naveen Handa, Cairn group director, said: “Jalou is a brand which I am so passionate about and as a result of its popularity in Newcastle we were keen to bring the concept to York’s vibrant leisure scene.

“We are making a significant investment into the venue whilst both keeping its employees and creating many new job prospects. We will be looking to grow Jalou’s presence over the coming years and bring this great brand to more cities across the UK.

“Refurbishment works are nearing completion and we are really looking forward to seeing the plans realised and officially opening to the public.”