Legendary UK music venue that hosted Arctic Monkeys to become a shisha cafe | UK | News
The legendary music venue, which has hosted huge acts such as Arctic Monkeys and Ellie Goulding, is preparing to turn into a hookah cafe. The venue closed in December and plans to turn it into a new business have now been confirmed.
The Shed on Yeoman Street in Leicester closed to punters on New Year’s Eve after 31 years. Bosses said it was “no longer viable” to maintain the music venue, which also hosted Kasabian and other star acts in its early years. Leicester City Council has now given the green light for the site to be turned into a shisha cafe and restaurant.
As reported by Leicestershire LiveNottingham-based business Saracens have been given permission to transform the venue. The ground floor will be converted into a dining area and bar, while the open rear courtyard will be opened to hookah use.
A hookah is a hookah used for smoking flavored tobacco, heated with coal and passed through a basin of water. It originates from the Middle East and is also popular in Southeast Asia.
As well as hookah, Saracens also plans to sell hot and cold drinks, including milkshakes and cocktails. It will also offer a food menu ranging from light bites to sharing platters.
According to the approved planning application, the cafe will be open from 9am to midnight, Monday to Thursday. Opening hours will be extended until 01.00 on Fridays and weekends.
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The Shed’s owners said: “We have pursued every avenue possible to secure the future of the venue. Our team, management and staff have worked tirelessly both publicly and behind the scenes to keep The Shed running.
“For 31 years, this has been a space for live music, creativity and community. It has been a privilege to contribute to the city’s musical scene and support so many musicians, promoters, audiences and creators.”
One artist who played there after it was confirmed the venue would close said: “Playing at The Shed was a real rite of passage for generations of Leicester musicians and bands, with some great touring acts also taking place.
“So sad to hear that another iconic part of the city has passed away, thanks for the memories.” A second added: “It’s hard to overstate the importance of The Shed in this period.”
