Iconic nightclub to close after more than two decades in blow to major city’s nightlife
AN ICONIC nightclub known for its dance music and themed nights is set to close its doors after 26 years.
Popular Glaswegian nightclub The Shed will hold its final closing night on September 14 following a series of farewell events.
The club which opened in 1998 in Shawlands, Glasgow was the scene for many “unforgettable” nights according to the owner Michele Pagliocca.
He said the decision to close the club had been difficult.
Speaking to the BBC, Pagliocca said: “For 26 years, we’ve had the privilege of being at the heart of this community, creating moments that we hope will stay with people forever.
“The decision to close has been incredibly difficult, but it’s the right time for us to say goodbye to this chapter of 26 Langside Avenue.”
”We are taking some time to consider the future of this iconic building, its place in the community, and its ownership.
“While this chapter is coming to a close, the legacy of The Shed will live on in the memories of all who danced, celebrated, and came together here.”
The site of The Shed nightclub has historically been an entertainment venue.
Established as Marlborough House in the 1920s, the venue held ballroom dancing, cabaret, comedy nights, weddings and community celebrations.
It is not known what will happen to the building.
It’s not the first venue to close down in Glasgow. Last month Cineworld announced it would close Glasgow Parkhead venue due to a company restructure.
A Cineworld spokesperson said: “We are implementing a restructuring plan that will provide our company with a strong platform to return our business to profitability, attract further investment from the group, and ensure a sustainable long-term future for Cineworld in the UK.”
Meanwhile, TGI Fridays spin-off brand 63rd+1st closed its last venue in Glasgow at the end of June.
It served a New York inspired food and cocktails menu featuring dishes such as buffalo cauliflower wings, burgers, steaks and pizza.
The brand grew to four sites following openings in Harrogate, Edinburgh and Glasgow, but just three years after its launch they’ve all closed.
Earlier this year another legendary nightclub shut down in Leeds 18 years after opening its doors.
Nightclub Wire has confirmed it would shut for good leaving clubbers devastated.
Club owners shared the news on social media. Its last dance was held on June 2.
In a lengthy Instagram post, they said the decision to close had caused them “great sadness”.
The statement reads: “Since re-opening after the pandemic, the UK nightlife industry has been under immense pressure which we have not been immune to.
“The cost of living crisis and changing lifestyle choices coinciding with the looming commercial challenges unique to the venue has gradually led to the unavoidable outcome that the club can no longer operate as a viable business.”
What is happening in the hospitality industry?
Food and drink chains in general have been suffering in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores by next month.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shutter the sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming