Famous Nightclub Slated for Permanent Closure, Once Welcomed Rod Stewart and Stormzy; New Owners Reveal Plans for the Venue
After more than two decades as a popular nightlife hotspot, Pryzm Kingston, a venue that has hosted artists such as Rod Stewart, Stormzy, and Billie Eilish, is set to close its doors permanently on July 12. The closure marks the end of an era for the Kingston club scene.
Originally built in 1939 as the Granada Theatre, the venue underwent a transformation in 2003, becoming a nightclub known as Oceana. In 2014, it was rebranded as Pryzm. Now, under new ownership by Neos Hospitality, the building will be converted into two new venues: Bonnie Rogues, a party bar on the ground floor, and Circuit, a new nightclub on the first and second floors.
Neos Hospitality aims to continue Pryzm's live music legacy with these new venues. Russell Quelch, the CEO of Neos, expressed his intention to keep the site a favourite night out for Londoners. The redevelopment aims to provide a fresh nightlife experience for the next generation of partygoers, marking a new chapter for the Kingston club scene.
The UK nightclub industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and cost of living crisis, leading to many closures in recent years. Soaring inflation and high energy costs have significantly affected businesses in the industry, resulting in punters cutting back on nights out. According to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), there has been a 32.7% decline in activity since 2020.
Rekom, the previous owners of Pryzm Kingston, announced the closing of more than a dozen venues due to cost of living pressures, rising business rates, and operational costs. The final night at Pryzm Kingston promises to be memorable, with the main room hosting its last party on July 12, following the closure of the disco room on June 28.
Despite the closure, the venue's owners have expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported Pryzm Kingston over the years. The club has created many memories for its patrons over the years, and its legacy will undoubtedly live on through the new venues operated by Neos Hospitality. The new spaces, Bonnie Rogues and Circuit, are set to continue the live music legacy that Pryzm was known for, ensuring that the Kingston club scene remains vibrant and exciting for years to come.
The closure of Pryzm Kingston signifies a shift in entertainment landscape, as the venue transforms into two new venues, Bonnie Rogues and Circuit, under Neos Hospitality. Despite the change, Neos Hospitality aims to maintain and build upon Pryzm's live music legacy in the revamped spaces.
