Max SteventonThe Barfly is set to reopen in Camden on 22 June under its original name, nearly a decade after its doors were closed.
The 200-capacity grassroots venue, located on Chalk Farm Road, will relaunch with a headline performance from Frank Turner, who played his first sold-out solo show at the venue in 2006.
Originally operating between 1996 and 2016, Barfly established itself as a platform for emerging artists, hosting early performances from acts including Coldplay, Adele, Muse, Ed Sheeran (pictured), Franz Ferdinand, The Libertines, Sam Fender, Royal Blood and The 1975, among many others.
The Barfly brand was later expanded beyond Camden to include other venues across the UK, The Fly magazine and the Barfly Sessions television series.
The relaunched London venue is owned by Propaganda Independent Venues co-founders Dan Ickowitz-Seidler and Richard Buck, alongside Camden-based music promoter Chris McCormack.
The venue’s technical production spec includes a new PA system with additional fill speakers throughout the main room, an enhanced lighting rig and upgraded sound and lighting systems in the downstairs bar area.
The new Barfly will include a bar open thr0ughout the day, and a permanent ‘Wall of Fame’ celebrating key artists and moments from the venue’s 20-year history. Organisers also plan to introduce a series of commemorative blue plaques recognising significant performances and cultural milestones associated with the venue.
Its owners said a vinyl listening bar, inspired by Tokyo’s listening bar culture, will form part of the new offering, featuring a curated record collection and a 1959 AMI jukebox .
“Barfly means so much to us all, and we’re honoured to be starting a new chapter in its story,” said Ickowitz-Seidler. “We’ll be announcing more very special shows shortly, but Frank Turner is the perfect artist to relaunch the Barfly stage. He embodies everything Barfly stands for.
“I hope live music fans will come out and support not just Barfly, but grassroots venues across the country. Before so many of today’s biggest artists were filling arenas and headlining festivals, they played at Barfly. You could be watching the next festival headliner on our stage on any night. Before the arenas, they were here.”