Ripon nightclub reopens after refurbishment

A Ripon nightclub, which is the city's only nightclub, has reopened under new ownership. 

DeFacto, located in the unit formerly occupied by Wonderland on North Street, closed at the beginning of August to allow for the refurbishment. 

New owner Jenk Pepec, who also owns The Silva Bells restaurant on Kirkgate, told the Stray Ferret in June the bill had already exceeded £60,000.

Mr Pepec declined to provide an updated figure this week, but said it has been “an expensive few months”. 

“The sign alone cost £2,000”, he added. 

The refurbishment has seen a VIP lounge created and the toilets and a staircase refurbished. 

Mr Pepec said he hoped the transformation would attract a different clientele to Wonderland.

The nightclub’s Facebook page announced on Saturday (September 28) it would open for a “soft launch” that night to unveil the new interior.

Matt Stanley, operations manager at DeFacto, today told the Stray Ferret the official opening night will be on Friday (October 4). 

But Ripon revellers will need to dress to impress, DeFacto said, as a strict dress code will be in place on the door. Those wearing tracksuits, work wear and “casual trainers” will be denied entry to the venue, it said on social media. 

The nightclub will be open five days a week and will also host gigs, quizzes and Latin dance classes. 

It will operate from 5pm until 11pm Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm until 2am on a Friday, and 5pm until 3am on a Saturday. 

Mr Stanley told the Stray Ferret:

If you enjoyed reading this article then please subscribe to read all our content. Subscription costs £4.99 a month or £49.99 if you pay annually. That works out at less than a pound a week. You will also enjoy exclusive subscriber discounts. Click here to get started.