In 1997 the former Pickfords and Linbar store in Brunswick Road was transformed in a £1.7 million development to a Chicago Rock Café – a 1950’s style American themed bar.
The Citizen: Thursday, January 9th 1997 – Delay hampers rock café plans on site of city store. by Steve Partridge: A decision on the future of a planned pub and restaurant on the site of a former Gloucester supermarket has been put back until March 4th. A leisure chain plans to create 50 new jobs by transforming the old Linbar store in Brunswick Road into a Chicago Rock Café. Gloucester magistrates were due to decide yesterday on whether to grant a drinks licence for the pub and restaurant. But they decided the case was so involved it would require a day-and-a-half to hear and adjourned the hearing until March.
Luminar Leisure, based at Luton, Bedfordshire, submitted separate applications for planning permission and a drinks licence. The leisure company operated a number of Chicago Rock Cafes around the country, including one at Cheltenham. The bars normally feature photographs of rock stars and music memorabilia on the walls. Plans for the café include a 100-seat covered restaurant, a dance floor and room for 500 people in the bar area. A glass-roofed conservatory and landscaped garden terrace are planned for the rear.
David Proctor, the city council’s head of development control, said: “The planning application is still under consideration and we are awaiting replies from interested bodies before assessing it. I don’t know whether it will make the January 28 planning sub-committee. If not, it will be considered at the February 25 meeting.”
The move to create the pub is the latest in a series which could change the face of Gloucster’s entertainment facilities. Last year a former cinema in Kings Square was re-opened as the Regal pub.
An advertising flyer invited you to “eat to the beat, rock to the rhythm, savour the flavour of the USA”. The American connection was evidently a little blurred at the edges as a Gary Glitter tribute band was performing there just a few months after opening.
The nightspot, owned by Luminar Leisure, had another £750,000 makeover in 2000. It re-opened on 23rd November 2000 as Jumpin’ Jak’s, “live entertainment bar, start saving your energy! It’s the best party in town!’ Edwin Starr was the first act to perform in the new look night club. Jason Donovan , the former ‘Neighbours’ star, appeared at Jumpin’ Jaks on 21st June 2001. After six years in business the night club closed on 27th August 2006. Luminar Leisure Ltd sold the property to Duddlingston House Properties Ltd. Planning permission has been granted to demolish the building to make way for a shop and/or restaurant with two floors of flats above.
