November 8th 2024.
The Dogstar, a popular nightclub in Brixton, south London, has closed its doors for good last week. This news has left the London nightlife scene with another void, as the venue has already been taken over by squatters. It was a well-known spot in the capital, especially for its reputation as one of the most prominent Black clubs.
Despite its popularity, the Dogstar had to shut down permanently due to the impact of the Covid pandemic. The pub chain Antic, which ran the bar, was hit hard by the lockdowns and could not withstand the financial strain. As a result, the once lively dancefloors of the Dogstar have become near-deserted. It is a sad end to a place that was once considered an epicentre of the 1981 Brixton riots, when it was known as the Atlantic.
The squatters who have taken over the building have even put up a legal notice in the window. However, it is heavily misspelled and reads: "We occupy this property and there is always at least one person here. Anyone who enters without our permission is committing a criminal offense." It also states that they can only be removed by a court order, as reported by Brixton Buzz.
The Atlantic, as it was originally called, first opened its doors in 1994 as a pub and quickly gained popularity as the first DJ bar in the UK. It was known for its late opening hours and impressive sound system, which drew in crowds from the surrounding area. It even became a target during the 1995 Brixton riots, which were sparked by the death of Wayne Douglas, a Black man who died in police custody.
The closure of the Dogstar is just one of many nightlife venues in London that have been forced to shut down. In October, the popular Tiger Tiger nightclub closed its doors to become a luxury hotel. And it seems to be a trend, as even the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, known for its LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, is facing the threat of closure after the owners announced their plans to sell the building. This sparked a campaign to save the venue, with over 100 people gathering for a rally and holding up purple "Your Venues Need You" signs. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving these iconic spots in London's nightlife.
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