It has just been announced that London clubbing Mecca, The End, is to close it’s doors for the final time in January 2009. Known and loved by many all over the world, The End has been a true pioneer of underground dance music over the last 12 or so years, hosting groundbreaking nights across house, techno, drum&bass, breakbeat and much more.

Director Layo Paskin states “Even though the past few years have arguably been our most successful as a club and as a business, I don’t particularly believe that there’s anything more that we can achieve”, and I have to say I’d find it challenging to think of how they could continue to top their record, especially with some key members of the team eager to try new things. It’s not as if the club were over the hill, far from it, but that almost makes it even greater, to go out on a high, and be remembered as outstanding.

Built by Layo (as in ‘Layo & Bushwacka’) and Mr C (as in ‘Ebeneezer Goode’), The End was often seen as the perfect club in many ways for DJs and clubbers; that circular DJ booth in the middle of the dance floor, the incredible sound system, and the friendly and diverse crowd.

Layo continues, “It’s partially a circumstantial decision, and partially a decision of choice”, adding, “We’ve had offers for the club before, and yes, this was the best one. But I wouldn’t say that it’s so good that it makes this a purely financial issue … If it was seven or eight years ago, an offer like this wouldn’t have been accepted. It’s a lot to do with the timing.”

On a personal level, I know I will certainly miss the club; my first ‘proper’ night clubbing was about 7 years ago to see Steve Lawler play a 6 hour set in the main room, and I’ve been hooked ever since, returning for the likes of Jeff Mills, Layo & Bushwacka, Chew the Fat, and the infamous Jaded after-hours parties. I know I will not be alone, judging by the eleven pages of comments on the website since yesterday’s announcement!

On a business level, add this to the other superclub closures of 2008 (The Cross, The Key, Canvas and Turnmills), and clubland has been well and truly shaken up. What will the future hold for the likes of a newly refurbed Pacha, a re-launched Bar Rhumba, and new-kid-on-the-block Matter, opening any day now from the people who brought you Fabric? Stay tuned for more news and interviews

Lee.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!