Music / Venue of the Month
Venue of the Month: Strange Brew
Strange Brew was first realised in 2019 as a new addition to Bristol’s music scene; a venue that was not constrained by genre or music complaints.
The 330 capacity venue is a bar, live music venue, cafe, record shop and exhibition space, it also hosts talks, workshops and pop-up markets.
The team managed to raise £50,000 in May 2019, enabling them to secure a location, a license and begin construction several months later.
is needed now More than ever
It’s been a difficult time for the venue who have struggled against Covid lockdowns (the team had to launch a second crowdfunding campaign in November 2020), restrictions and social-distancing.
However, they have persevered and have since firmly cemented themselves on the map as one of the best venues in the city.
From hosting En Masse festival earlier this year to collaborating with Bookhaus to host Travis Alabanza’s book launch, the venue won’t be slowing down any time soon.
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On the future of Strange Brew, Leigh Dennis, the director of the venue, said: “Since muddling our way through the pandemic we have had a lot to celebrate, having had loads of amazing shows back-to-back from some of our favourite artists and musical inspirations from over the years.
“There is a lot of uncertainty in the air for the live music sector right now due to the impending cost of living and energy crisis, and the Music Venue Trust is reporting that many venues and promoters are in a worse position now than they were during Covid, with already tight margins due to be squeezed even more.
“But as a new venue with an enthusiastic community behind us we are buoyed by a lot of support. No doubt some financial adjustments will be needed but otherwise we’ll continue doing what we’ve been doing the best we can and have faith – music will always live on!”
Main photo: Leigh Dennis
Read next:
- Venue of the Month: The Fleece
- Girls Camera Club to present debut exhibition at Strange Brew
- Diverse Artist Network to host a day of events to connect creatives
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