End of an era as Cab Vol to shut

IT is the end of an era for one of Edinburgh’s best-known live music venues – at least in its current form.

Cabaret Voltaire is set to close down and be given a “wholly new look” and name – much to the horror of some fans.

The intimate Blair Street venue will shut its doors later this month after being bought over by a major pub and restaurant firm.

That has sparked fears that the ethos of the club in promoting up-and-coming DJs and bands will be changed for good.

But the G1 Group, which also owns the Ghillie Dhu, Three Sisters and the Granary, insisted the work was vital and dismissed fears that it would just become another “stag and hen” venue.

Cabaret Voltaire had been run for several years by Sarah David, and when G1 bought it over, the firm initially said she would be left to continue operating the day-to-day business.

However, that decision has now been changed, and Ms David will stop working at the venue later this month. She has declined to comment on the matter.

A spokesman for G1 said: “We are pleased to announce that work to refurbish the Cabaret Voltaire club will begin on February 20.

“A six-week period of work will not only address significant structural issues, including severe water ingress, but will give the venue a wholly new look.

“The transformed bar, club and live music venue will champion the best in design, ambience and entertainment.”

Fans have taken to social networking websites to bemoan the loss of the venue.

However, G1 said live music would still be a feature of the replacement, and the company had been heavily committed to live entertainment in its other venues in Edinburgh.

On the venue’s Facebook page today the announcement was met by dismay.

One fan, Debbie Watt, said: “Gutted to hear that the Cab Vol is getting changed. Why? Has to be the best club in Edinburgh.”

Another, Jamie McKenzie, added: “Cabaret Voltaire, you will be missed. Had many an epic night in there.”

The club opened in 2002, with those behind it wanting to recreate a musical version of Cabaret Voltaire in Zurich, a progressive arts group of the early 1900s.

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