Live music organisers are worried about how the closure of one of Cardiff’s oldest pubs will affect bands in the area.
More than 1,000 people have signed an online petition protesting the closure of the Castle Street pub, which has been described as a central part of the city’s nightlife, culture and live music scene.
The pub will be closing in February but has been a footstep for bands in the early stages of their careers. Well known bands such as The Vaccines and Kids in Glass Houses have played in the pub. The pub also hosts events for comedy, theatre and even knitting clubs for locals.
Brenda O’Brien organises weekly jazz events in the pub and says the closure will “devastate” hundreds of people. “For the last eleven years we have been putting on live jazz music and it’s internationally renowned. New bands get their first steps playing in little rooms like Dempsey’s and we love the place.”
Dempsey’s owners Brains SA have decided to rebrand the pub and plan to reopen in the summer. Details about the new venue have not yet been announced but there is talk that it will be named after Welsh footballer Gareth Bale. A spokesman for the brewery says the venue needs to be updated and staff welfare is a priority.
“Our intention and hope is that we will be able to provide other employment opportunities for the current team employed at Dempseys. The need for improvement and modernisation of Dempseys has been apparent for some time and as a company Brains has sought to ensure that our city centre businesses remain relevant to the ever-evolving needs of the Cardiff consumer.”
A number of bands will be performing at a farewell gig for the pub on Friday 3rd February with all proceeds going to staff.
