The Borderline — a venue beloved by indie music fans since opening in the early 1980s — is set to close this summer.
In an announcement on its Facebook page, the venue says it will shut up shop for good by 31 August 2019, citing "many external factors" contributing to the club's unsustainability. In a separate statement, DHP Family, which owns the venue, blames "ever increasing rents, rising business rates and ongoing redevelopment plans for Soho".
This has been an extremely difficult decision and one we are very sad to make. Despite an incredible effort by the team put into reviving this historic and iconic venue, it has been impossible to make it a sustainable venture due to many external factors. We’ve had an incredible few years at the venue, hosting fantastic gigs and club nights, and we’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended, played or supported us during this time.
The pint-sized venue, situated just off Charing Cross Road, has hosted some legendary acts in its time, including a nascent Oasis, Amy Winehouse, Jeff Buckley and even a Spinal Tap reunion show.
In silver lining news DHP Family has promised to reinvest into the other areas of its venue portfolio, including work on the Thekla in Bristol, Rock City in Nottingham, as well as a brand new venue in Birmingham.
All scheduled gigs will take place at the Borderline up until 31 August — those lined up after that will be moved to other venues.
