Ipswich: Star readers react to the news of Groove closure
Groove Retro Bar and Club, Ipswich. - Credit: Andrew Partridge
Star readers have reacted with a mixture of shock and sadness after it was announced the popular town centre nightclub, Groove, has been forced to shut its doors.
The profitability of Groove, in Northgate Street, is understood to be the main reason behind the closure, which staff and managers were told about at a meeting on Thursday.
The nightspot became renowned in Ipswich for playing a mixture of music from the 70s and 80s and would regularly attract about 1,000 people Saturday nights.
Reacting to the news on the Ipswich Star’s Facebook page, Craig Sennett said: “It was honest, simple and a good giggle, I had some great nights there and some OK ones. It seems hard to make anything commercial last in Ipswich, everything shuts.”
James Girling added: “Another nail in the coffin for the Ipswich night scene.”
Kimberley McCartney said: “I can’t believe another club is closing. What is wrong with Ipswich?”
The news of Groove’s closure came after it was announced that Betty’s, in Elm Street, was to close in the summer, but it has since re-opened under the name of KC’s Nightclub and Bar.
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Liam Schulen, assistant manager of Groove, described the announcement as upsetting and a massive blow to the town but, speaking last week, he spoke of his hope that a similar venue could open again in Ipswich.
He added: “I would like to thank everyone for their time and hard work and hopefully something will come up in the future and we can bring back the 70s and 80s nights.”
