On July 10 2008, The Wilts and Glos Standard were given an exclusive ‘sneak preview’ of a new late night venue, Seventeen Black - Wine Bar and Club.

With the promise to bring something new to the Cirencester club scene, the highly anticipated feature was printed showing the transformation of the tired site into its new venture.

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A few glasses of Pinot Grigio later and the Cirencester ‘hot spot’ is now celebrating its 10th Birthday.

"Where did the years go," jokes long term manager Jamie Hughes. "That’s two royal weddings, two world cups,  that’s even enough time to see gin go out of fashion, and then come back in again!

"There was a real buzz of excitement when we were developing the Castle Street site in 2007/08. The thought of having a second late night venue was a real big deal in the town."

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John Lafford, director of Meridian Retail Ltd, the company that owns and operates Seventeen Black, said "When developing the site, we had big plans to raise the bar for the late night scene in Cirencester, with an upmarket wine bar and club with lavish décor, state of the art sound and lighting, and a safe and secure environment for enjoyment.

"A lot of planning, money and research went into it and then, when we finally opened the venue, Gordon Brown announced a recession!"

Branded 'Open late, for food, live music, sport and dance’, the 3 storey venue was an instant success with customers queuing to get in most weekends.

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Initially the Wine Bar/Club opened to the over 23 year old market but when it soon became clear that the economy was going to face a double dip recession meant that the initial vision had to be modified and the offering changed.

"The professional and mature custom bases were coming out far less making the venue very quiet during the mid week so the age restriction was changed together with the music policy, to make the venue viable," recalled John.

Fast forward to July 2018 the venue has decided to change once again back to it’s original concept with a £40K refurbishment to celebrate its 10th year!

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Dan Lafford who also is a director said  "We are going back to basics…well kind of..."  he joked.

"We are re opening Seventeen Black with its initial values – an upmarket Wine Bar - Club with award wining food, fine wines, classic cocktails and craft beers.

"Our research suggests that Cirencester still pines for a late night venue for the mature- professionals. Starting in July we have created a new night on Saturdays for the Cool, Calm and Collected over 23s. Opening two floors playing music from the 80s, 90s and 00s both live and from DJs."

Teaming up with local drinking spots Somewhere Else, The Fleece Hotel, The Crown and The Marlborough Arms,  Seventeen Black are running a Pub 2 Club scheme giving half price entry to the exciting new Saturday nights.

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"Now that I am nearing my forties, I have remoulded Seventeen Black into a venue I can relax in," said Dan. "The new Saturdays nights have got me and my friends really excited."

Seventeen Black is open late daily with extensive list of wine, spirits and beers.

The venue hold regular poker nights, Club nights and now serves award wining Food from Malt and Anchor.

For more details visit the venues Facebook page.

To celebrate Seventeen Black's 10th anniversary we have teamed up with Wilts and Glos Standard to give its readers a complimentary glass of Prosecco - but you need to be quick, as the paper holding the all important voucher is only on sale until the end of the day on Wednesday July 11.

Cheers!