A GRADE II listed bar in York city centre has reopened under a new name after undergoing a £1.1million refurbishment.

Jalou York, at the junction of Micklegate and North Street, opened its doors on Friday, with up to 30 jobs created by the venture.

The roles include bartenders and hosts, as well as existing staff being retained.

Formerly known as The Parish, Jalou York is a late night venue with a focus on cocktails and R&B music.

York Press:

All areas of the bar have been renovated across both floors, with the addition of a second bar in a VIP area, a new DJ booth, new flooring and seating. In addition, a large chandelier has been installed in the centre of the dance floor.

Jalou operations manager John McLeman said: “We’re excited to open our doors and show off our new venue to the people of York.

“We’re over the moon with the results of the refurbishment, the architecture of the building is incredibly unique with striking features, such as the original arches, which we’ve really made the most of. Our focal point is a huge chandelier which we are sure will prove a hit on social media.”

Cairn Group director Naveen Handa added: “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.”

Jalou York occupies a traditional church building which was known as St John’s Church until 1934 before becoming an arts centre in the 1970s.

It first became a bar in 2005. Open seven days a week, Jalou York becomes Cairn Group’s first bar outside the North East.

The Parish was sold through Christie & Co to Cairn Group in August 2016.