Last dance for Tanguy's as licence for nightspot is transferred

Friday 23 June 2023

A leading figure in Jersey’s nightlife scene for more than four decades is heading for retirement after transferring the licence for his St. Helier bar and nightclub.

Chris Tanguy is set to call time at Tanguy’s in Mulcaster Street on 2 July having operated the venue since 2009, marking the end of an era for the well-known DJ.

Confirmation that the venue will close came as an application to transfer the licence for site, which is owned by the Liberation Group, was granted by the Royal Court this week. Joao Silvestre, who currently runs another town venue, the St. James Wine Bar, will be the new licensee.

Advocate Natalie Jenner, representing Mr Silvestre's company JKOLI, told the quarterly meeting of the Licensing Assembly that her client would spend July carrying out work on the venue before re-opening in early August, by which point it will have been renamed the Mary Rose.

St. Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft told the court that the parish was supportive of the application to transfer the licence, with no objections being raised by the government or States of Jersey Police.

Pictured: Joao Silvestre, who currently runs St. James Wine Bar will be the new licensee.

Mr Tanguy first worked as a DJ in 1978 and subsequently featured at many of the Island's leading venues including Madisons, Thackeray's and Lords.

Having initially come close to a deal to sell his business in early 2020, his retirement plans were then scuppered as the deal for Tanguy's fell through as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “There'll be mixed emotions when we finally close, but retirement's been on the cards for a while and I'm pleased the licence transfer has gone through and people know where they stand.”