Diner will rekindle memory of legendary Newport music venue

Steve Reynolds, owner of Slipping Jimmy’s tunes up with Fiona Weaver, of Hutchings and Thomas Chartered Surveyors, outside the new restaurant on High Street, Newport

A new live music American style bar and grill will reignite the vibe of Newport’s iconic and much lamented venue TJ’s.

The legendary live music nightclub in Clarence Place which closed after the death in March 2010 of its founder John Sicolo, aged 66,  played host to an array of bands over its existence achieving cult status on both sides of the Atlantic.

Now Newport businessman Steve Reynolds says a new venue he is opening will help recreate some of the energy and excitement of the celebrated music joint.

Steve, owner of Toy Army in Newport’s market has joined with two business partners, to launch Slipping Jimmy’s Bar and Restaurant in High Street, Newport.

Steve said: “We’ve had the idea for a time and have been looking for the ideal venue for some time. We looked at a number of potential places and then saw this former betting shop opposite the Market and next door to the best pub in the city, The Murenger, and this suited us right down to the ground.

“Live music will be a major part of the new restaurant and will aim to recreate what the city lost with the closure of TJ’s.”

The bar and grill restaurant, with a capacity of 180 and close to the soon to open Tiny Rebel Urban Tap House, could be open before Christmas and will offer American style barbeque food in a retro, reclaimed style décor.

Steve said he has already been approached by bands and promoters looking to book gigs at the new venue.

Fiona Weaver, of Hutchings & Thomas Chartered Surveyors, acted for owners Llanhennock Property Investments, said: “The former betting shop premises offers 2,500 sq ft of space which has been leased for 10 years at £18,000 a year.

“The opening of this restaurant is yet another positive example of the optimism, excitement and confidence investors and business people now feel in Newport city centre.”