Wolverhampton's The Parisian: Locals share ideas for what could be done with closed city centre venue

The Parisian in Wolverhampton is up for transformation, and locals have shared a range of ideas on what its future should look like.

We visited the Grade II-listed building at 41 Queen Square to see the locked doors and silent rooms for ourselves.

The former cocktail bar closed its doors last month following ongoing financial pressures and a zero-star food hygiene rating that was given at the end of 2025.

It’s a sad state of affairs for a stunning 1870s building in the city centre, constructed during the Victorian expansion of Queen Square.

So what should happen to the building next? Who better to tell us than our readers?

There were plenty of ideas posed by locals on what the site should become next on our Facebook page.

Some Facebook users felt that the premises should be used as a coffee shop.

Shell Harris Gyan said it this might be good for those who don’t consume alcohol. She said it should be a “late-night coffee shop where you can go meet new people who don't drink alcohol”.

Likewise, Mason Freeman Cause said it should be a “coffee shop that opens at night, bring some life to the city at night for those that don't drink”.

Similarly, Danielle Louise also liked the coffee shop idea, but with a twist. She said it should be a “coffee shop doubled up as an art gallery for local artists to display work that we can buy”.

There were plenty of suggestions that the premises should be turned into a tea room.

Yvette Cartwright said it should be “a tea room or cake shop”. This was the same for Pat Davies who said that there should be “a tea room not a café”.

Some said it should continue to function as a bar in some capacity.

Christopher Lacy said it “should turn into another bar of some sort”.

“We have that many cheap shops etc. Also a lot of empty and derelict buildings which is making it an eyesore.

“Wolverhampton has nothing to offer anymore. Nowhere to shop or have a night out. Utter disgrace.”

Martin Lodge said affordability should be at the forefront. He suggested it should be a “cheap bar with cheap food for locals”.

Others took a more creative approach.

Kirsty Price felt that there should be more crafts for local people to purchase. For her a space for crafts would be great: “Handmade crafts, furniture etc from local people. Several different ones that change every month so there is always something different.”

Rae Oliver said: “A community café with activities suitable for elderly and parents babies/toddlers during the day and then young people/teens after school.”

John Meacham touched on one of the building’s past lives, as a former arcade: “This used to be an amusement arcade in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s.”

Some locals felt that it should function as a restaurant.

Carla Louise Roberts said: “A nice evening restaurant with nice music and lighting; a little romantic place for the couples.”

Others felt that the premises should be used as a spot for live music.

Krystyna Curtis said: “Bring back independent music/gig venues!”

Likewise, Steve Ridd said: “Return Queen Square to music/dance venue!!! As it was meant to be!!!”

Jenine Denny said: “Music studio or for creative arts. Or open mic days/nights something for the youngsters 14-21 year olds. Which is closer to town than The Way.”