The Horns, Watford - another live venue gone.

[TimR]

Just seen The Horns has closed. 

 

I played there, was a great venue, big stage, and very large building n centre of Watford so imagine their rates and electricity were huge. Sad times. 

 

https://www.thehornswatford.co.uk/

[Lozz196]

Not good, was a decent venue, saw a good few bands there and did a couple of gigs there too (one with Whitney from Eastenders on the door which confused a good few customers).

[steantval]

Unfortunately this is now happening to often to live music venues across the country, keeping a live gigging band active becomes more difficult as each year goes by.

 

Nice picture of Wayne of Limehouse Lizzy on the main website page.

Edited October 24, 2023 by steantval

[Old Horse Murphy]

Such a shame. I played there a couple of times in the dim and distant past but actually remember it more as being a frequent haunt when I used to work in Watford. 

[GBH]

Sad, played there a bit, nice old school music venue, few and far between now.

[chris_b]

Sad news. I last played there about 10 years ago. Always like it as a gig.

[police squad]

yep a shame for sure. Played there a couple of times with The Policed

[Nicko]

I moved out of the area a year ago and was under the impression it was already shut when I left.

[TimR]

Brewery have said they're looking for a new landlord and will reopen. 

 

If the established landlords struggled it'll be difficult to see how someone new can fill the spot.

 

Isn't this usual tactics? fail to find someone, wait it out for 3 years, claim unviable as a pub, apply for change of use and planning permission, sell building and build retirement flats. 

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

Played a few gigs in Watford in the early 2000s . I've been there , but cannot remember if I played that venue .

I saw a couple of bands there , including a friends covers band . From what I can remember , it was a busy and lively venue.

was there a crazy landlady there ?🤔

I did play the beehive ( again memory a bit sketchy) , and my last gig being the sportsman where the landlord was a top bloke ensuring drinks were on the house . 

Edited October 26, 2023 by RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE

[Nicko]

On 26/10/2023 at 12:03, RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE said:

was there a crazy landlady there ?

Well, she didn't rebook us.  You may draw your own conclusion.

[Cliff Edge]

That is a great venue, I only played there once but recall it being very well organised, the landlord was a big music fan. It was packed for us despite being totally unknown in the local area. 
I’ve seen a number if great music pubs around the country close, and I’ve just found out another one local to me is facing the same fate. It’s very sad. 

Edited October 27, 2023 by Cliff Edge