Strabane jobs boost as nightclub to be redeveloped to music venue

A MAJOR jobs boost is on the way for Strabane after an agreement was reached to sell Ruby’s Bar and Nightclub to a local businessman.

New owner, John McGuinness revealed this week that as well as creating up to 20 new jobs, he has big plans for the new venture, ‘Harry Jack’s’.

Beginning as a bar and live music venue, Harry Jack’s could eventually house a restaurant and even a bowling alley.

First though, the Railway Street venue will reopen with a bang on November 19 with none other than former Radio One DJ, Dave Pearce headlining Strabane Music Fest.

“We did the deal on Tuesday morning, so it’s going to open next month,” John McGuinness told the Chronicle this week.

“We’ve been trying to get it across the line for two or three months, but we came to a conclusion on Tuesday. It’s all been agreed so we’re happy enough. It’s called, ‘Harry Jack’s’ after my two grandfathers.”

He continued, “Starting off, it’ll be a live music venue catering for all ages. We’ll have 18+ nights and 21+ nights and there will be entertainment in the run up to Christmas.”

Featuring a host of acts across three nights – November 19, 20 and 21 – Strabane Music Fest will kick off at Harry Jack’s with world-renowned DJ, broadcaster and producer, Dave Pearce. The following night it will be the turn of Flash Harry with support from The Guvnors and on the Sunday, it’s The Squealing Pigs and The Tumbling Paddys.

John added, “There is an idea for a bowling alley but we’ll keep it as a venue for a year or so to see how it goes, if it’s sustainable. But the end goal is to have the bowling alley.

“It’ll create jobs as well. The amount of staff that is needed to run it, from security, to cleaners, to floor staff – there’ll be 20 jobs, between part-time and full time.

“Food and the restaurant is something that we’ll think about down the line,” he explained.

“We’re trying to get it open now before Christmas. So all going well we could look at the restaurant in January.”

John concluded, “The music festival is planned for the weekend of November 19, so that’s when we’ll be opening for the first time. We’ve got three weeks until then, so as soon I get the keys we’ll be going hell for leather to get everything sorted.”