Nightclub to Reopen Three Years After Flooding with £500k Revamp
Three years after closing due to flooding issues, the former Dorothy's Showbar on Victoria Street in Liverpool's Pride Quarter is set to reopen under new ownership. The venue, which shut in July 2023 shortly after the city's Pride celebrations, will be transformed into an expansion of the popular bottomless brunch spot Jaloux, owned by Amy Gwynn.
The original Dorothy's Showbar company deleted its Instagram posts and changed its bio to 'coming soon', but no public explanation for the prolonged closure was given. The previous owner had described the closure as 'temporary', but a completely new team has now taken over the site.
Expansion Details and Investment
Jaloux owner Amy Gwynn is investing £500,000 to double the venue's space, incorporating the former Dorothy's site. The expansion will allow Jaloux to accommodate more guests, addressing a persistent issue of turning away bookings due to capacity limits. Amy said: 'The hardest part has been telling people we simply can't fit them in. Every week, we're turning away bookings because we've reached capacity, and that's never something we wanted for Jaloux.'
She added: 'This expansion changes everything. It means we can welcome so many more guests whilst continuing to deliver the atmosphere, entertainment and experience people know us for. We're not creating a second venue - we're expanding Jaloux, giving it even more personality with a fresh new look that still feels unmistakably Jaloux.'
Impact on Liverpool's Nightlife Scene
Since opening on Victoria Street, Jaloux has built a loyal following for its immersive brunches, cocktails and live entertainment. The expansion will include a complete transformation of the additional space, with double the tables and entertainment. Amy hopes the new capacity will end the weekly sell-outs that forced her to turn customers away.
The Dorothy's brand has now disappeared from the city, with its short-lived Dorothy's Diner having already been transformed into Rob Gutmann's The Queens Arms.
Amy Gwynn's Other Ventures
Amy Gwynn, who also runs the long-established GBar, has taken on another venue on Victoria Street: OMG, which will relaunch at the end of this month as Campus. Campus is a separate brand from Jaloux, described as a house party-themed LGBTQ+ space. It will debut over Liverpool Pride weekend with a programme of DJs, drag performances and guest appearances. Amy said Campus is intended to complement rather than replicate her existing venues, built around an inclusive theme under the motto 'You belong here'.
