THE ‘ICONIC’ Assembly is reopening its doors – and the Observer has spoken exclusively to its new operators.
The Spencer Street venue’s new owners – who are from Leamington and wish to remain anonymous – took over running the Grade 2 listed property last week, and on Saturday September 28 will open with a launch night.
And work has already started, with bookings being taken at the music venue.
It will offer live music, events and club nights, while The Zephyr Lounge will be reopened for smaller shows and local band nights.
A spokesman for the new operators told the Observer: “The Assembly is an iconic site for live music. The same family have owned the building for the last 87 years and to keep it under the same guise – previously being the setting for balls and dances and now a music venue – is very rare and amazing. There aren’t many places like that.”
Previous owners MJR Group shut the doors in June, citing financial difficulties due to the rents and rates of the property.
Shortly after its closure, pictures were sent to The Observer of damage done to the inside of the building.
But when the new owners arrived they said it had all been tidied up – and short of a clean-up, they have not had to do much else.
The spokesman added: “When we got there the damage had all been cleaned up.
“It’s such a beautiful building, and Grade 2 listed, that we do not want to do much to it. You don’t get places like this anymore.”
Big-name acts who have previously played at The Assembly include Lou Reed, Public Enemy, The Stranglers, New York Dolls and Patti Smith.
The 1,000 capacity art deco venue – which was built in 1926 – was the subject of a multi-million pound redevelopment designed by Lawrence Llewellyn-Bowen.
To keep updated with upcoming events, search for ‘Assembly Leamington’ on Facebook.
