Star Twinnie-Lee Moore gives boost for Ruby Rae’s York

Ruby Rae’s Country Bar is to open its doors on Thursday. August 6 in the former Jalou nightclub on Bridge Street.

Dean Saunders, co- founder of the Newcastle-based company, says he has ‘loved’ York for years.

He told the Press: “I have been coming down to York for years. I used toi come when the church contained Jalou. When I knew the building was available, an opening in York was a no brainer.”

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Dan Cooke, Twinnie-Lee Moore and Dean Saunders open up the former Jalou. (Image: Jake Usman)

Dean says he has been working on developing the York site since February, which will be inspired by the world-famous Ryman stage in Nashville.

The venue will open Thursday to Sunday.

It will be situated a few doors away from York’s other main country and western-themed venue, the recently-opened Silver Spur in Bridge Street, and a short walk away from FortyFive Vinyl Café in Micklegate.

Clive Johnson Horsemanship and the team. (Image: Jake Usman)

Dean continued: “A lot of people who come to our Newcastle venue, they say they love the atmosphere. It’s a predominately female crowd, a about 65 per cent. People love the idea of dancing and dressing up. They might not initially be into country music but they might get converted.”

In the renovations of the former church, all the floors have been changed. Much LVT flooring has been used, which Dean says is great for line dancing.

Ruby Rae singers Ashleigh Bell and Harriet (Image: Jake Usman)

He said: “We have sanded some of the original flooring. We have removed the lighting to reveal a lot of the original features of the church. We have taken off the curtains to expose the brickwork. We have changed the bar to make it look more like Nashville.

“It’s all about the music. We are making the stage the main feature. It will have a deejay booth. Behind is a Ruby Rae’s York sign that will be epic.”

Furthermore, to add character will be plates reflecting the region, ‘dollar walls’, flags, lots of vinyls and ‘lots of neon signs everywhere.’

Singer Ashleigh Bell (Image: Jake Usman)

“It will be very Nashville,” Dean explained, adding lots of seats will be added.

“We want it to be somewhere where people can come in for hours and chill out. We have tried to expose as many of the original features of the church as it is such an epic building.”

Singe Ste Wilson (Image: Jake Usman)

And whilst the work has been underway, Ruby Rae received a boost with a visit from York-born country and western performer Twinnie-Lee Moore. The 39 year-old has appeared on the stage, as well as soaps including Hollyoaks and more recently Emmerdale as boxing promoter Jade.

Though based in Nashville, she regularly visits home and showed her support for Ruby Rae’s by turning up on a horse and with Ruby Rae singers Ashley Bell and Harriet.

Dean added that Twinnie-Lee will perform at Ruby Rae’s York one day.

What do you think of Country and Western music? Will you be going to Ruby Rae’s York?