London's Camden Barfly has reopened under new ownership after a decade-long closure. The venue marked its return with a performance by Frank Turner on June 22.
The Barfly first operated from 1996 to 2016 and hosted early shows by acts including Coldplay, Muse, Amy Winehouse and The Libertines. Ed Sheeran played four sets there in one night in 2011. It closed due to financial pressures and has now returned under Propaganda Independent Venues.
Frank Turner, whose former band Million Dead played its first gig at the venue in 2001, performed the reopening show. He unveiled a blue plaque honouring his appearances and said the space had left a crater in Camden that is now filled.
Dan Ickowitz-Seidler, who runs the new operator, said the focus is to become the essential London spot for rising bands. The tagline is “Before the arenas, they were here”. Recent and upcoming acts include Girl In The Year Above, Bleech 9:3, Violet Grohl, Gia Ford and The North.
The revamped 200-capacity space features a vinyl listening bar, a wall of fame and upgraded sound and lighting. Ickowitz-Seidler noted ongoing challenges for grassroots venues but expressed optimism about support measures such as the artist levy.