A COMEDY venue and nightclub has closed as the list of Oxford city centre establishments to shut their doors in recent months increased.

Jongleurs, and the adjoining Bar Risa, in Hythe Bridge Street, was shut down after its owner Regent Inns went into administration.

The venue ceased trading on Tuesday, with the loss of 15 jobs.

Across the country, five Jongleurs clubs have closed, while the remaining 10 have been bought by a firm called Intertain.

In a statement, the new owners said: “Sadly, we can confirm that Jongleurs in Hythe Bridge Street has closed, as the economics are such that long-term viability cannot be assured.

“However, we will ensure that all customers who have booked tickets are fully refunded by method of payment – customers that booked by credit or debit card will automatically receive a refund to the card used to make the purchase, those that paid by bank transfers will be refunded by BACS and those that paid by cheque will be sent a cheque in the post.”

The announcement is another blow to Oxford’s beleaguered night-time economy.

In January, the Ha! Ha! Bar and Canteen at Oxford Castle closed.

The nearby Living Room bar and restaurant is also in administration, but continues to trade.

Burger chain Tootsies, also in the castle, closed earlier this month and Italian restaurant Carluccio’s has also confirmed it is pulling out of the site due to poor trading.

In George Street, the Old Orleans bar and restaurant has been shut for two months, awaiting conversion to an Italian restaurant.

Colin Cook, chairman of the city council’s licensing committee, said: “Jongleurs caused many problems to nearby residents in Upper Fisher Row in the past, so I’m glad to see they will get some respite from the nuisance from that particular venue in the short term.

“Restaurants come and go throughout Oxford and have done for many years.

“This recession is certainly having an impact at the moment and the winter season is never a good time for bars and restaurants.”

Police licensing officer Tony Cope said the licence would remain with the building for a new operator to take on.

He said: “From a police perspective it was pretty well run and we had no major incidents there, as opposed to other establishments nearby.”

l For more details on obtaining ticket refunds, see jongleurs.co.uk tairs@oxfordmail.co.uk l Comment: Page 10 l Have your Christmas party plans been scuppered by Jongleurs’ closure? Call the newsdesk on 01865 425500 or email news@oxfordmail.co.uk