Thursday, January 29, 2009

Havelock Square Goes Further Downhill - The Apartment To Close


Swindon Centric has been told that The Apartment, the bar and restaurant venue in Havelock Square, is to close imminently.

The news comes with further unclear details that it may be bought by someone else.

The venue was the first example of a fight back against the Fleet Street/Regent Street pubs and bars about ten years ago, by adding a quality drinking and eating place to the centre of town. Swindon Centric can remember in the summer months that lunch would be served on tables and under parasols in the square, adding a touch of 'cafe culture' that all town planners wish to excel to. That's a far cry from the uneven, chewing gum-caked mess that the square is now, along with the aroma of doughnuts and sugar floating on the air.

Jamie Cullum played The Apartment just over five years, with tickets at £10, all 300 were sold within 20 minutes, the venue has held dance classes and comedy nights.

Swindon Centric Says ; Shame to see such a quality venue come to an end in a part of town where quality is sliding down. With the (hopefully) imminent redevelopment work, this is the type of venue that needs to be retained and encouraged once the work is finished.

No comments: