The operator of a Bath music venue says it was forced to shut its doors after just two and a half months of operation.

The Den, which lived its short life beneath The Assembly Inn on Alfred Street, is no more.

Its operators said that the situation was “completely out of our hands” after being asked to go by their landlords.

The building's owner said the premises had been offered on a trial basis but the venture was "not financially viable."

The man behind The Den, Angus McCabe, shared a heartfelt announcement on Facebook.

He said: “Thank you to all of the loyal music lovers, artists, and staff that made The Den happen!

“It was a second home to me and testimony to all of our hard work.”

Angus Mccabe and Daisy Collins-Board have said goodbye to The Den
Angus Mccabe and Daisy Collins-Board have said goodbye to The Den

When it opened, The Den said it hoped to give a ‘fair deal’ to musicians in Bath and attract more acts to the city, who might have bypassed it for Bristol.

Speaking to Somerset Live after the launch, Mr McCabe said: “We’ve had a really good reception from artists as well as from customers.

“On opening night we sold out before doors opened and we were really packed.”

But after a grand opening on March 9, the closure was announced on May 24.

The bar inside The Den
The bar inside The Den

Mr McCabe said that The Den was never intended to be a big money-making venture.

He said: “Our aim on Alfred Street was not to make a quick quid, but to break even and try to rejuvenate Bath’s live music scene, which I feel we have done, even if it was brief.”

However landlord Abbey Ales claims the venture was not financially viable.

Operations director Simon Morgan said: “We initially offered a month’s trial to see if they could get it up and running which we extended to three months.

“After that time it was still not financially viable.

“We were not charging for the room or the bar staff and we were losing money.

“We are a business and have to make business decisions.

“The downstairs cellar bar is still available to hire for private functions,” he added.

Mr McCabe still strikes an optimistic note about the future of the venture.

He said: “I believe that live music will always live on as long as there are those who live and breathe it, so keep an eye out for the next form that The Den takes!”

The full message from The Den

Dear All

I’m very sorry to announce that The Den has forcibly had to shut its doors. All events have been cancelled.

I’m afraid the situation is completely out of our hands, as the owner of the building has asked our business and staff to move on.

Thank you to all of the loyal music lovers, artists, and staff that made The Den happen! It was a second home to me and testimony to all of our hard work.

I believe that live music will always live on as long as there are those who live and breathe it, so keep an eye out for the next form that The Den takes!

Those who have paid for advance tickets from TicketSource will be receiving full refunds. If you are one of the many amazing people who work with The Den to produce shows, then please check your inboxes or contact me directly for more information.

Our aim on Alfred Street was not to make a quick quid, but to break even and try to rejuvenate Bath’s live music scene, which I feel we have done, even if it was brief.

Keep an eye out and keep following this page to find out about future endeavours for The Den!

Love and Empathy

Angus Brick McCabe

 

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