Media outlets can’t get enough about the financial crisis, but a recession of another sort has hit the capital: a dance music recession. The closing of The End in January 2009 nailed this point home, as the city’s once-glorious house music era faded into a whimper and left many of its fans standing venue-less.
Enter T Bar. Neither swallow-you-up-whole enormous like Fabric or tiny like Plastic People, open virtually every day of the week and with a shocking free-door policy, the beloved T Bar is back with one hell of a line up. Unlike sat down with Jaime Ritchie, the brain behind the club to discuss London nightlife, re-setting up shop and all things “T”.
NB: Could you comment on the status quo of London’s nightlife ?
Well, it has certainly been through a few changes and I suppose for a moment it felt that it was slowly disappearing. But as with everything, new shoots have started appearing and it looks like a whole new clubbing landscape is growing, of which we are really pleased to be part of.
NB:Why did T Bar close?
Our lease was up for renewal. It came at the perfect time for us. We had built our brand and learnt a lot at the Tea Building. But we had also come to a natural point where we needed to take it to the next level.
NB:Why does T Bar reopen? Why at this location?
We are re-opening because we have a lot more we want to do! This location is a real find for us. The venue has a unique feel to it which I, and it seems everyone who has seen it, warmed to instantly. In addition to that the license is considerably later and we don’t have the worry about residents nearby, which was always a concern for us at the previous site.
NB: What makes the new T Bar stand out from other clubs in London?
I think T Bar, old and new, stands out because we committed ourselves to making quality dance music available to as many people as possible because we strive to keep it free on the door. That is at times particularly problematic and requires the commitment of many people to this philosophy.
NB: T Bar is supposed to cover not only music but also arts events in the future. Are you planning to do day events as well?
We will be reopening our kitchen and subsequently our daytime service in the near future once we have got the club bedded in. I personally like getting involved with all types of events especially during the daytime as it keeps things fresh. The layout of the new venue is going to really lend itself to all sorts of possibilities.
NB:What kind of people come to T Bar?
All sorts. I think, and hope, our crowd is diverse! Keeping a free door policy means that all kinds of people can try out T Bar and our music.
T Bar re-opens on May 7th with special apperances by Michael Mayer and Jamie Jones on the decks!
