Take a first look inside the old Walkabout bar in Swansea, currently being transformed into something completely different.
In May, we reported how Breaking Brands, which runs recognised names currently operating in the city such as Marco Pierre White, Coyote Ugly and Jack Murphys, has acquired the former Walkabout on Wind Street on a long-term lease. It is now being redeveloped into an exciting new concept venue with multiple uses.
Jack Murphys will be relocated to the front of the building, as an authentic Irish bar, along with a gourmet fish and chip shop. To the rear room of the former Walkabout will be Basement Jacks, a student style club. Upstairs, the Attic will also be part of the venue, aimed at local promoters. There will also be a new mezzanine terrace overlooking Wind Street. Jack Murphys in its current location will be rebranded as a designated rock bar called One Eyed Jacks. You can read more about that by clicking here.
Work in progress pictures from inside the venue looking towards the main entrance
(Image: Breaking Brands / Steve Lewis)
One of the neon lights due to be erected at the new venue
(Image: Breaking Brands / Steve Lewis)
Basement Jacks will be a new student style club
(Image: Breaking Brands / Steve Lewis)
READ MORE: The old Idols nightclub in Swansea’s Wind Street is being taken over by a popular gin bar with a difference
Since then, it has been all hands on deck for Breaking Brands owner Steve Lewis and co, who have been working hard to breathe new life into the once popular venue, with it set to open at the beginning of September. We can now give a sneak peek inside to show you exactly how things are coming along.
Pictures reveal some stunning features to the walls, including an huge mural of Wales hero Alun Wyn Jones on one of its walls. As is tradition with an Irish bar, Guinness is featuring heavily, and there is some great art work painted on its walls and bar area celebrating the black stuff, along with some of its famous slogans, such as ‘Good things come to those who wait’ and ‘Matches are made and settled here’.
Images also show the brand new neon lights for the ‘Basement Jacks’ club, along with ‘Murphys Wind Street’, which gives an authentic, Irish feel.
Guinness branding adorns the walls and bars in the new Irish bar
(Image: Breaking Brands / Steve Lewis)
Famous Guinness slogans adorn the inside of the venue, such as ‘Good things come to those who wait’
(Image: Breaking Brands / Steve Lewis)
(Image: Breaking Brands / Steve Lewis)
Mr Lewis said: “It’s coming together really good. It’s going to be a traditional Irish bar. Guinness has helped us with the branding and design and we’re looking to make it as authentic to the Temple Bar area in Dublin as we can. Towards the front we are going to have gourmet fish and chips, traditional food which can be taken away or eaten in. The back room is going to be Basement Jacks, which will be a big club with big DJs and student nights. The club above will be The Attic and that will be dedicated to local promoters and guest DJs.
“The Irish bar will become Jack Murphys, which will be your Irish, independent good time bar with acoustic music, and Jack Murphys where it is now will become One Eyed Jacks, which will become Wind Street’s first dedicated rock bar.”
The new venture is looking to take on 50 new staff, with positions ranging from manager, assistant manager, bar staff, glass collectors and waiting staff. If you wish to express your interest in any of the positions, visit the ‘Jack Murphys Wind Street’ Facebook page or e-mail operations manager [email protected]
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Walkabout closed suddenly in January 2020 after 20 years of being in business along Wind Street. Wind Street is undergoing quite the transformation at the moment, with a number of new name arrivals and big money changes which will transform its look and feel.
Swansea Council is currently investing £3 million to implement its vision of turning the street into an all-day destination with more opportunities for family fun, eating and meeting for coffee, rather than it just being somewhere people go in the evening.
One of the new arrivals on the street is Founders & Co, inside the former Revolution, which compromises of a coffee bar, a bar, a dining hall, a retail shop and a private events room.
And there’s more to come, with the now vacant Idols set to be replaced by Gin Ne Sais Quoi, with Beaujolais Day the targeted opening date, whilst cocktail bar Heaven is set to move into the former La Cantina.
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