Great Music Venue "The Cellars" at Eastney Closing Down

Sad news from Steve Pitt, Eastney, received by e-mail, advertised on Facebook and on the Cellar's website, also thanks to Jilly for passing on:

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure, for good, of The Cellars at Eastney, as a music, comedy and theatre venue, on Saturday 1st August 2015.
Despite changes of ownership, The Cellars has been run largely by the same team for nearly 18 years. The current landlord has been amazingly supportive and without him, the venue would certainly have closed in 2011 when, then owner, Enterprise Inns were selling the freehold for development. However, he is simply no longer in a position to subsidise our rent, as he has done for some considerable time and the business is just not in a position to pay the rent in full. He is as gutted as we are that there is no viable way for the venue to continue.

The Cellars would like to thank its committed and loyal customer-base for all of their support. We’re sure many of you will ask how this could happen. The reasons are many and complex, involving national, as well as local issues. However, the simple explanation is that not enough customers are buying enough tickets to enough gigs for us to continue.

Albert Lee & HHs at The Cellars
(Photo gs, 2007)

 Independent music venues like The Cellars are closing all over the UK. We worry about the future opportunities which will be available to the next generation of musicians, if all the experienced and passionate operators are either not replaced at all, or replaced by faceless chains with no interest in local music and musicians. Therefore, we encourage both gig-goers and musicians to give their passionate support to our friends at The Wedgewood Rooms, to ensure that they have a prosperous future.

Lucie Diamond at The Cellars
(Photo thanks to
Angela Wilkins, 2007)

We are not planning to just fade away, there is a full and exciting programme to take us through the final months and we hope that all of you will come along and support us and share some final lasting memories of great nights at The Cellars.
Steve, Gareth and The Cellars Team."

Very sad news indeed, saw great gigs there by Mike Sanchez, Lucie Diamond and Albert Lee & Hogan's Heroes in good company. All our favourite bands used to play there, and they all feel sorry as it was a great little venue, reasonable bar prices, great audience and good atmosphere.