The Jazz Bar, described by some as a broad-based community local boozer, that attracted heavy drinkers from Preston town centre and surrounding areas is no more.
Currently being transformed into student accommodation, the Jazz Bar was where, like the American TV comedy Cheers, everyone knows your name. Every day drinkers, usually arriving and leaving at the same time every day – only it wasn’t as funny.
Allegedly a meeting place for the English Defence League (EDL) where a past landlord played Hitler DVD’s. The ‘legendary’ karaoke nights that were hosted by ‘Jazzy John’ will surely be missed.
The new development will be furnished similar to the old Guild Tavern that sits just across from the Jazz Bar and is designed to support the University of Central Lancashire. There are planned to be around 40 student bedrooms in the new complex.
The pub, formally known as Harry’s Bar, was also allegedly used during World War II as a place where American officers could relax and unwind on the upper floors of the building with local ‘ladies of the night’.
….and who could forget their claim to have Preston’s finest strippers!