Glimmer of hope for future of pub (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Glimmer of hope for future of Talking Heads pub in Southampton
10:23am Friday 10th February 2012 in Hampshire Business
Talking Heads, Portswood
ONE of Hampshire’s best-loved music venues could reopen towards the end of next month.
Campaigners leading calls to save the Talking Heads believe a rescue deal is within sight.
It comes after reports of a mystery investor being linked with the venue in Portswood Road, Southampton.
Their identity has still not been revealed, and the pub has remained closed since early January.
As previously reported in the Daily Echo, previous owner Mark Hughes had to cease trading because of financial hardship caused by the economic slump.
The doors closed despite an online campaign, backed by around 4,000 people, to keep the Talking Heads going.
It has been led by Jodie Copeland, who helped to organise a gig there on the final night before the current closure.
This week he said the campaigners were hoping the venue might reopen within the next few weeks.
He said: “There’s no definite decision and I understand talks are still ongoing, but what I’ve been told is that it’s looking promising.”
He added: “I would hope that it will reopen towards the end of March because it will take a while to get the pub ready. Some work might need to be done.
“However, it’s still very hopeful and I know that talks are taking place but nothing has been signed and sealed just yet.”
Previous names linked to rescuing the venue included Isle of Wight festival supremo John Giddings and Radio One DJ Rob da Bank.
Both later denied that they were involved, but expressed their hope that the Talking Heads would reopen.
There was also no reply to the telephone inquiry line at the Talking Heads.
Comments(13)
Pikey Pete
says...
12:13pm Fri 10 Feb 12
I would love to see an investor come in and save this place. Even the architecture looks great. Not like square flats...
It needs a business head behind this not a whim and prayer..
Fieldbean
says...
1:22pm Fri 10 Feb 12
freemantlegirl2
says...
2:17pm Fri 10 Feb 12
Fieldbean wrote:with a bank account in Monaco.... :p
I agree Pete, when it comes to Premiership footy clubs there are always obscenely wealthy characters happy to chuck away millions. Even Cricket clubs are getting public money in million pound bail-outs. Surely there must be some philantropist happy to put a few quid into a genuinely great Southampton live music venue.
Wish TH all the best but tbh there is more than a 'little' work that needs doing, it has got v. run down :( :( would be great to see it revived to it's full glory! :)
threaterino
says...
2:58pm Fri 10 Feb 12
Goldenwight
says...
4:25pm Fri 10 Feb 12
Fieldbean wrote:Happy to chuck away millions, unless that is they are threatened with losing their driving licence- in which case every penny is vital to their survival and their childrens' school fees?
I agree Pete, when it comes to Premiership footy clubs there are always obscenely wealthy characters happy to chuck away millions. Even Cricket clubs are getting public money in million pound bail-outs. Surely there must be some philantropist happy to put a few quid into a genuinely great Southampton live music venue.
100%HANTSBOY
says...
5:18pm Fri 10 Feb 12
Goldenwight wrote:4000 people? This is the Talking Heads,not Wembley Arena!
What a shame that those 4,000 people couldn't have spent a few pounds each in the pub every week, then the landlord would most likely have avoided his 'financial hardship', the pub would have stayed open, and there would be no story.
Great news anyway,TH was always a great night out,just hope during the temporary closure someone has sorted the loos out.
IronLady2010
says...
6:55pm Fri 10 Feb 12
100%HANTSBOY wrote:100% agree about the toilets, you could smell the mens all the way to the stage, it was disgusting, although I must admit I've had many a good night in the venue.
Goldenwight wrote:4000 people? This is the Talking Heads,not Wembley Arena!
What a shame that those 4,000 people couldn't have spent a few pounds each in the pub every week, then the landlord would most likely have avoided his 'financial hardship', the pub would have stayed open, and there would be no story.
Great news anyway,TH was always a great night out,just hope during the temporary closure someone has sorted the loos out.
The Joiners are doing well as they're city centre and the venue is cleaner.
Georgem
says...
9:23pm Fri 10 Feb 12
Goldenwight wrote:And what a shame there was a global financial crisis, eh. It's easy to sit in an armchair, blaming everybody for things that have already happened. What are YOU doing to make things better?
What a shame that those 4,000 people couldn't have spent a few pounds each in the pub every week, then the landlord would most likely have avoided his 'financial hardship', the pub would have stayed open, and there would be no story.
Georgem
says...
9:25pm Fri 10 Feb 12
IronLady2010 wrote:Err...when was the last time you were in either venue? Talking Heads wins the 'clean' battle hands down
100%HANTSBOY wrote:100% agree about the toilets, you could smell the mens all the way to the stage, it was disgusting, although I must admit I've had many a good night in the venue.
Goldenwight wrote:4000 people? This is the Talking Heads,not Wembley Arena!
What a shame that those 4,000 people couldn't have spent a few pounds each in the pub every week, then the landlord would most likely have avoided his 'financial hardship', the pub would have stayed open, and there would be no story.
Great news anyway,TH was always a great night out,just hope during the temporary closure someone has sorted the loos out.
The Joiners are doing well as they're city centre and the venue is cleaner.
freemantlegirl2
says...
8:42am Sat 11 Feb 12
.com/2012/02/talking
-heads-an-update/
Come on echo, catch up - here is the whole picture!!
threaterino
says...
10:55am Sat 11 Feb 12
sarfhamton
says...
5:20pm Sun 12 Feb 12
Goldenwight wrote:Again what a shame that a positive story is used by armchair moaners to have a pop!
What a shame that those 4,000 people couldn't have spent a few pounds each in the pub every week, then the landlord would most likely have avoided his 'financial hardship', the pub would have stayed open, and there would be no story.
Goldenwight says...
11:24am Fri 10 Feb 12