Music / venues
Longstanding music venue up for sale
The owners of a much-loved venue that has played host to renowned global acts and local outfits of all genres have decided it’s time to move on.
In the year after its 30th anniversary, it has been put on the market at a cool £2m.
Fiddlers, a medium-size venue housed in a former 18th century prison, is being touted as a going concern for those in the industry with a 650 capacity, a late license that extends to 6am closing at weekends and ‘potential for redevelopment’.
is needed now More than ever
Situated in south Bristol between East Street and Victoria Park the venue was, from its opening in 1994 until recently, a top spot for catching reggae, folk and world acts such as The Abyssinians, Roy Ayers, Lankum, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Billy Bragg and Manu Chao.
The Sun Ra Arkestra played the venue in 2019, joining 100s of other globally renowned acts to have performed on the Fiddlers stage in its 30 year stint – photo: Tony Benjamin
It was the home of the renowned Worm Disco Club global jazz fusion nights that incorporated immersive stage sets and themed cocktails, regularly selling out what they considered “really special parties” over their three year stint.
But the venue struggled to regain its footing following Covid lockdowns, and the owners have finally decided to officially call it a day. “It’s a sadly missed venue,” said Nathan Price, one third of the Worm Disco team. “I loved their big old 1990s turbo soundsystem.”
“The family think it is time to pass on the bow!” the listing says in a ‘note from the sellers’. “They consider it is time to thank all the customers and promoters for contributing to the success and are very grateful for introducing to Bristol an incredible range of music styles, expanding their knowledge and hearing music never experienced before.
“So, it is now time to be the other side of the bar! All the best Dan and Joe.”
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The venue is licensed for the provision of live music, recorded music and performances of dance, as well as late night refreshment and supply of alcohol.
The listing notes the building is on the edge of the Bedminster Green regeneration scheme, with an already completed 800-capacity student accommodation in walking distance.
However, it also flags its “significant residential potential”, with redevelopment to include three to four floors and the possibility of “a larger overall development” with adjoining owners indicating an interest in selling.
Main image: Fiddlers Bristol
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