The Astoria (CLOSED)
from 5 reviews
The Astoria (CLOSED)
157 Charing Cross RoadLondon
WC2H 0EL
Telephone No (and full size map)
(5 points)
(10 points)
(5 points)
(1 point)
The Astoria (CLOSED)
The Astoria to close
22 September 2006
One of London’s biggest music venues is rumoured to be closing.
The long queues of punters snaking around the corner, backing up into the refines of Soho Square are a regular feature if you’re strolling down Charing Cross Road of an early evening. A game I like to play involves studying what they are wearing and trying to guess who they are queuing to see live – hmmm… could it be Oasis? Kylie Minogue? Or perhaps they’re limbering up for G-A-Y?
Games aside, the rumour on the street is that a property development company have offered an awful lot of money to purchase this piece of prime real estate.
Currently leased to The Meanfiddler on a contract that ends in December 2008, this 2,000 capacity venue has been snapped up by Derwent Valley.
Although no official plans for the development have been released as of yet, it has been suggested that they will comprise of shops, office space and flats. Derwent Valley already own land surrounding the Astoria and opponents to the plans suggest that they may develop the entire block into a retail complex.
The Astoria has been run by The Meanfiddler since 2000 and has provided one of London’s biggest and brashest venues, with highlights including Radiohead, The Rolling Stones and Pearl Jam.
If you want to preserve a little piece of your own personal music history then check out the following link to read up about the plans and sign a petition: www.myspace.com/savetheastoria
Hot, sweaty, packed, sticky floors, great bands, two generations - me and my daughter - we'll both miss you Astoria!
kitchensunk's profile Other reviews by kitchensunk Places kitchensunk likes
This legendary venue was built on the site of a former pickle factory and opened in 1927 as a cinema. It was later converted for theatrical use in 1976 and has been a music and club venue for over 20 years now.
Holding a capacity of just 2000, the Astoria is one of London's more intimate venues. It's given fans a chance to get 'up close and personal' with their favourite acts, witness some unforgettable charity concerts and, last but not least, experience the city's first gay superclub G-A-Y.
Sadly old Astoria is due to be demolished in 2009 to make way for a new Crossrail station. Thanks for the memories.
Connor
Save Astoria it can't close down!
moley
The astoria rocks. Would hate to see it close down. Join save the astoria!
Mandy Carter MyVillage
Astoria is where the good, the bad and the unfortunately ugly have all fired up their guitars and rocked out the stage. Seen plenty of bands here - Disturbed, Smashing Pumpkins, Alter Bridge to name but a few. G.A.Y makes Astoria its home every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday - a happy bouncy �up for it� crowd that don�t mind the odd straight mate. G.A.Y usually pulls in top singers / bands to entertain its crowd - expect to queue round the block and back again when Kylie and her sequined pants is in town. Did you know that the London Astoria was originally built as a pickle factory for food producers Crosse and Blackwell? Well, you do now.
The most coveted of the restaurant awards are announced every New Year in the deepest, darkest depths of January....
Read more »
Research from independent charity Turn2us has revealed that millions of people in the UK are too embarrassed to ask for......
Read more »
Stay up-to-date with all the latest festival news, reviews, gossip and discussions....
Read more »
For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track......
Read more »
Come and get your '15 minutes of Fame' alongside Denise Van Outen and another surprise celeb, July 12 at 12pm...
Read more »
© 2009 Created by MyVillage
