The Cellars saved!

It's taken 15 months of rumour, wrangling and trauma but finally there's some good news for The Cellars. The News are reporting that the venue has been saved from auction (and possible closure) after one of its long-time patrons bought the pub from Enterprise Inns. If that wasn't cause for three rousing huzzahs the venue has also announced that, as it's no longer tied to a chain, the beer range has been refreshed and prices lowered. Smashing.
 
I really like The Cellars, it's  a fine cosy venue and that it's been saved from being turned into flats or a convenience store welcome news indeed. Over the next few months the venue has a veritable plethora of musical delights on offer, from the likes of the eccentic John Otway, the legendary Dean Friedman and newcomer Jazz Morley in October, Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls (from The Wonder Stuff), Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo and Mama's Gun in November plus a smörgåsbord of new local talent from Jurassic Mark's showcases in December.

A fine selection of gigs forthcoming I'm sure you'll agree, and there's plenty more to whet the appetite on their website. Now all they've got to do is make sure they don't leave the tables in place by the front of the stage (I know, some people are never satisfied). 

Emily Barker & The Cellars at Eastney

Earlier this year I enjoyed a marvellous evening at The Cellars in Eastney sampling the music of Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo. I must confess that my interest in attending said gig was a mixture of "Oh, they did the theme to Wallander didn't they?" and "Ahh.. they've supported Frank Turner so they must be good".  

And yes, they played Nostalgia (aka the tune that plays over the opening credits whilst a blue hued Kenneth Branagh emotes), and yes, they were very good; a beautifully performed set that resulted in my being strangely drawn to the merch desk at the end of the evening.

Emily & Co have just announced the dates for their UK tour later this year and, big thumbs up, the foursome will be playing The Cellars on Sunday 6th November.