The live music bar has reopened under new owners who will be assisted with the relaunch by founders Martin and Carrie Welch, who only stepped back in July 2025, and gig platform Stage Portal.
The couple, who opened the bar in 2014, have been asked to look after the stage and bookings for the foreseeable future by its new owners.
‘It’s back, and I can honestly say this is the right set of owners,’ said Mr Welch.
‘We announced it on social media and the response we have had so far has been amazing.’
The bar, which has a proposed reopening date of 7 February, will have a new look and a new logo, but the ethos remains the same – supporting and giving a platform to grassroots musicians.
‘It’s a new era but with the original attitude,’ said Mr Welch.
‘The new owners are very busy with their paintbrushes. We have had enquiries already from UK bands and European bands, that’s what we are all about as a grass roots music venue.’
Mr and Mrs Welch ended up with the lease of the premises back only five months after the bar was taken over.
‘We had a number of inquiries and we were approached by the new ownership who wanted to continue the work we had been doing,’ said Mr Welch.
He added that he was over the moon to see the venue back open under ‘awesome new owners’ and to start welcoming local and visiting musicians back to the venue.
‘We’re stoked. We know what a struggle it is in hospitality, and to find owners who promote our legacy – we’re over the moon,’ he said.
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