A popular Oxford nightclub has applied for a premises licence for the empty Jam Factory.

Thirst Bar has submitted an application for a licence that would allow it to operate the popular arts venue, bar and restaurant on Hollybush Row.

The venue is a shadow of its former self since it closed last September with the gates locked.

Owners Nuffield College and its agents Savills have been actively seeking new tenants and have entered negotiations with several but have so far failed to seal the deal.

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The application to Oxford City Council, which has been made by Thirst's parent company Spirit Bar Ltd, seeks to provide alcohol, food and music from 10am to midnight Monday to Wednesday, from 10am to 1am Thursday, from 10am to 2am Friday and Saturday and from midday to 10.30pm on Sundays.

Oxford Mail:

It also seeks permission to show films, and put on live music and plays.

Thirst cocktail bar and club on Park End Street hosts DJs and is considered central to Oxford’s clubbing scene.

The historic Victorian Jam Factory was once home to Frank Cooper’s Marmalade and has been a cafe and antiques centre.

The venue shut on September 17 2022 after the tenants were unable to reach an agreement with Nuffield College following “considerable and prolonged negotiations, calculations and reflection”.

Co-owner Andrew Norton who set up his company with St Edwards’ school friend Tom Buswell, had run it for 16 years.

The artists had already run exhibitions and drawing classes around Oxford.

Mr Norton, a sculptor by training, said: “We were always beholden to other people’s generosity to hold these events, whether it be in teashops, doctors’ waiting rooms, rooms over pubs.”

Oxford Mail:

The company moved into the Jam Factory in 2006.

He told the Oxford Mail: “We opened The Jam Factory on domestic equipment, camping gas and we did not have two sticks to rub together.

“We are immensely proud of going from what was effectively a start up in a run down building to this."

But Mr Norton said they were all Oxford people and promised he would be back.

He said: “Be patient, support independents. Watch this space.”

On its final afternoon before closing, the café, which had hosted 150 to 200 weddings, was swarming with families, friends expressing their sadness.

Mr Norton was keen to stress the business still maintained a strong relationship with Nuffield and the college had been a “brilliant” landlord.

Thirst Bar has been contacted.

 

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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