Plans to open a new late-night venue in the heart of Oxford are set to go before city councillors next week.
Yola Kucel has submitted an application to launch the Underground Bar beneath 29-31 George Street, in the basement space formerly occupied by the Cirkus nightclub and directly below Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
The proposal outlines a transformation of the venue into a “small late-night bar” designed to appeal to locals, university students, and visitors. The venue would include a main bar area with fixed seating, a dance floor, a DJ booth, and a cloakroom.
If approved, the bar would offer both recorded and occasional live music, with the applicant stating that genres such as “rock, metal, indie, goth music and other genres” would “add to the aesthetic” of the venue.
The application requests permission for indoor live music from 5.00pm to 11.00pm on weekdays and from noon to 11.00pm on weekends. Recorded music and alcohol sales would run from noon to 2.30am Monday to Thursday, until 3.00am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 2.00am on Sundays.
A one-hour extension for all licensable activities is also being sought on UK bank holidays and their preceding days, according to local deomcracy reporter Esme Kenney.
Licensing and Gambling Acts Casework Subcommittee at Oxford City Council is expected to make a decision on the Underground Bar application next Wednesday, 04 June.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact of the proposed venue on neighbouring businesses and the wider city centre.
The general manager of the George Oxford Hotel, which occupies the upper floors of the same building, has objected to the plans, citing the potential impact on guests.
They said:
We are concerned that the establishment of an underground bar in close proximity to our premises could lead to increased noise levels and late-night disturbances, which would negatively impact the experience and comfort of our guests.
“Guests staying on the upper floors of the hotel expect a peaceful environment, and it is likely that such noise would interfere with their ability to rest and sleep. The potential for intoxicated individuals causing disruptions could also create a hazardous environment for those staying in the hotel.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for our guests, and the introduction of a bar could increase the likelihood of incidents that might compromise guest safety.”
The hotel also raised concerns about the venue’s entrance, which is directly adjacent to the hotel’s own entrance, warning it could create an “uncomfortable and unsafe atmosphere”.
Thames Valley Police have also recommended the application be refused, warning that the venue could “add to the overall cumulative effect of crime, disorder, antisocial behaviour and nuisance” associated with late-night establishments in Oxford’s city centre.
However, the proposals have also received support from members of the public.
Mr J Mullett-Sadones of Abingdon submitted a comment in favour, stating:
“Oxford city has lost many of its live music venues and independent nightlife venues in recent years and I think that this would be a great addition to the late night economy and a good alternative to the current large-scale nightclubs.”
Meanwhile, Mrs S Thomas, a director of The Chilterns management company on Gloucester Green, noted that late-night disturbance from the premises was “considerably lessened” when appropriate security measures were in place.
She said:
“The disturbance was considerably lessened when a bouncer was employed during the closing period, along with another person to control the noisy behaviour of people waiting for a taxi.”
She added that this requirement should be added to any licensing conditions if the bar is approved.
A final decision on the licence will be made by the council’s subcommittee on 04 June.
