Mystery as Bar Rock suddenly shuts (From Andover Advertiser)

Mystery as Bar Rock suddenly shuts

7:00pm Saturday 9th February 2013 in Basingstoke By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

THE future of a Basingstoke bar is uncertain after it suddenly closed last week – delivering another blow to the Top of The Town.

Bar Rock, in Winchester Street, closed last Friday – the second nightspot in Basingstoke to shut its doors this year following the closure of Censo, in Church Street, in January.

A sign on the door of the premises gives notice of the termination of the licence, but no reason why this has happened.

The sign was put up on February 1 and states that a licence made between Touch Central, the licensee, and Whitehall Industrial Limited, the licensor, has been “determined absolutely.”

Windows inside the bar leading to the main area have been covered up, and the furniture in the entrance area has been removed. However, it is not clear if the closure is a permanent move.

Samantha Carter, who runs Thursday night entertainment at the venue, said she was called by the owners last Friday, who informed her of the news.

She said; “At the moment, what we have been told is that it’s closed until further notice. We have been told to cancel forthcoming events but they are hoping to re-open very soon.

“We have heard lots of rumours that they won’t re-open but the owners said hang fire for now and they will have more information over the next few days. I really hope they do re-open.”

Miss Carter, of Carter Music Events, has been running an alternative music night at Bar Rock, which includes urban, hip-hop and reggae music.

She said: “Last Thursday was the busiest night we have had. It was the fourth event. At least we have gone out with a bang!”

When The Gazette attempted to contact Bar Rock about the closure, no one answered the phone, but an answerphone message still said it is open on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Steve Webster, a singer with Winchester-based band Reload, said he was booked to perform at the bar before Christmas, but the event was cancelled the night before.

He said: “We would have taken another booking that night so did lose out.” His five-piece rock-band was expecting to receive £400 for the night.