Former ‘Idol’ nightclub on Swansea’s Wind Street to be transformed into ‘Proud Mary’ bar

The £1.5m investment by Danish late night operator, REKOM, will see the careful restoration of the Grade II listed old post office building to its former glory featuring an uplifted façade, ornate ceilings and cornices as well as a large outside area.

Following the huge success of Proud Mary Cardiff – the first to open in the UK – the 600-capacity bar promises to offer a blended relaxed atmosphere with the fun and festivities of a German bier hall. 

REKOM’s country director, Russell Quelch, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our second Proud Mary to Swansea and we are confident it will prove to be a similar hit to Cardiff.  It’s such a great concept that people of ages enjoy – whether you want to meet friends for a beer, listen to live music, watch sport, take part in a pub quiz, or enjoy a late night party, Proud Mary delivers.  We will be working round the clock to open as soon as we can this Autumn.”

The front of the bar is said to feature cosy furniture and booth seating with a small stage for early week events, such as live music and a large-tiled bar, serving a full range of drinks.  In the main room there will be multiple screens for showing sport and a mezzanine area, with low benches, solid wooden beer shelves and pergolas framed with foliage and lights.  

REKOM say that at the heart of Proud Mary is community and ‘she’ always seeks to incorporate local sights, icons and architecture, so guests can expect some Swansea-inspired artwork while they dance the night away to classic party tunes from every decade.

This is the fourth Nordic bar that REKOM has brought to the UK – and the third for Wales – with Heidi’s Bier Bar first opening in Cardiff and then Birmingham. 

Russell added: “Proud Mary and Heidi’s have exceeded our expectations and we can’t wait to open more in the coming months and years.  Part of their success is down to the unpretentious fun they bring – we know times are tough, but you can’t fail to have a good time once you cross the threshold of either a Proud Mary or Heidi’s.”

(Lead image: Google Maps)