Crypt gets a reprieve - see update 4/2/05

Shock closure of the Crypt –
Lancaster’s last independent club

“The Crypt made a difference. Unlike some other places it’s not about violence and heavy drinking – it’s about enjoying yourself and meeting and greeting. It provides a space for expression – different kinds of music, experiments with décor and lighting, other art forms too.”

At 11pm on Tuesday 1 February the Crypt Bar was abruptly closed by senior management of Swallow Hotels, the group that owns the Royal Kings Arms where the venue is situated. According to Linda Moore, the Area Manager of the hotel chain, a decision has been taken to close the venue for ‘3 or 4 months’ and possibly refurbish it during that time. Management were unable to guarantee that the venue will reopen with the same use.

Some staff had been informed of this decision the previous day by the manager, others found out over the next few hours. The clientele only knew when they read the notice pinned up outside the door. All were upset, both at losing their jobs and at the inexplicable loss of the sole remaining independent music & dance venue in the City.

The last few months have been frustrating for the Crypt, its staff, the promoters and artists, and of course the faithful punters. In September the then General Manager (who is no longer employed by Swallow Hotels) omitted to renew the hotel’s Public Entertainment Licence (PEL) and therefore the liquor licence – despite more than one reminder by the licensing authorities, (who had no objection to renewal) and the urging of staff and at least one of the client promoters. When a PEL is allowed to lapse, it takes a much more complex and time consuming set of procedures to obtain a new one than in the case of a renewal.

So due to what appears to be senior management error, Lancaster’s sole remaining independent music late bar was then forced to close at 11pm or not open at all – depriving the regular clientele of a venue to socialise and enjoy quality music, and depriving Swallow Hotels of the guaranteed £3,000 per week income normally made by the bar. However on several nights (including New Years Eve and indeed only last Saturday) the hotel had no difficulty obtaining special licenses so that dance nights could take place. Clients and staff are left wondering why this is no longer an option.

As the news filtered out to some of the many hundreds of supporters of the Crypt, the remarkably diverse appeal of this much-loved club became apparent.

The Crypt has for several years been a venue catering to enthusiastic crowds with different musical and entertainment tastes, a broad age range and a varied collection of talents and professions. As Bindi, the head barman at the Crypt, remarks, ‘there’s no such thing as a typical Crypt-goer – teachers, builders, doctors, bar staff, full time parents, therapists, musicians, scientists, carers, radio programmers, people in between jobs, tree surgeons, retired people, factory workers, students’, … the list is infinite. Virtual-Lancaster’s club correspondent PJ has interviewed some of the key players – artists, promoters, staff and most importantly regulars and supporters of the Crypt:

Sara (model and music lover)
My first reaction is disappointment and the knowledge that now there’s nowhere to go – there’s no other independent venue with a late bar. As a single woman I felt safe from the drinking/yob culture. I can hear music there I can’t hear anywhere else – local DJs rubbing shoulders with DJs from all round the country. My main interest is in dance music, but I’ve popped in for a drink at the other genre nights because of the guaranteed friendly atmosphere.

Cass (promoter and DJ)
A sad loss for Lancaster! The only alternative venue of its kind – there’s the Yorkshire House for bands, which is great – the Sugar House will only cater for students – now there’s nowhere. It’s been a safe clubbing environment and has never, ever, had any trouble of any kind. So many people will lose out. Swallow Hotel will lose a sure fire revenue, the promoters and artists will have no showcase, and now the public have no choice in where to go. I’ll go out of town for nights out now.

Mike (promoter and music maker)
We made lots of money for the hotel, so why is Swallow cancelling its own revenue? Seems crazy! My nights were a showcase for local talent – over 100 DJs, producers, and artists had their first chances at my regular Thursday night. Now there’s nowhere. There is no other place focussing on nourishing local talent.

Shelli (Indie DJ, student)
I’m gutted – Lancaster’s not good for night life! The Sugar House is OK but limited to students. There’s a really mixed crowd at the Crypt, and it's friendly and practically hassle-free. You can go there as a lone woman; and as a DJ people are very receptive. I’d like to see it re-open. Til then, I hope the various nights find alternative venues.

Christine (regular)
The Crypt is the only club in Lancaster that you could come to that doesn’t have a van-load of police parked across the street and a heave of drunks outside (Frankly I wouldn’t know what they’re like inside). The Crypt atmosphere is always friendly and fun – no-one has ever troubled me and the staff are excellent – they’re quick, organised, remember how you like your drinks and make you feel valued. And the music – well, the Crypt has always punched way above its weight with music. Outstanding. What other local club gets its gigs recommended in the national Guardian?

Bindi (music fan, long-time Crypt barman, promoter)
The reason we’ve been given for the closure is there’s ’not enough revenue’. OF COURSE THERE’S NOT BEEN ENOUGH REVENUE!! Without a late licence HOW CAN THERE BE ENOUGH REVENUE!!

If this goes through, 5 people will be out of work, including myself. That’s bad enough, but losing the Crypt is terrible. This place has broadened my taste in music. I’ve never been in a club where everyone is so open and friendly. From a bloke’s point of view, you can go to the Crypt and know no one is going to ‘start on you’. Plus I’ve seen students grow up into people! – although the age range at the Crypt is 18 to about 60, which is brilliant, and meshes with the outstanding number of music styles played on different nights.

Where else can you hear rock, Indie and alternative, hip hop, acoustic music, live bands, house, drum n’bass, breaks, jungle, reggae, funk, and live P.A.s? Or see ambient décor and lighting? We’ve also had comedy nights, breakdancers, artists, and even a lecture! Many of the promoters supported charities as well – we’ve had Tsunami relief fund benefits, supported the local Homeless Action Centre, and a benefit for an AIDS charity. This place is truly eclectic. The worst thing about the closure? It's all bad. Give us a chance to make you some more money, Swallow Hotels. We’ll show you what we can do.

Rache (Scientist, and Radio presenter)
I’m very disappointed. Its the loss of the only venue supporting non-commercial music, which allowed people access to all sorts of different events and a safe environment. It’s always original, always friendly and non-intimidating, especially for women on their own. I have no other reason to go into the Royal Kings Arms. I’ll have to go out of town now to find a similar atmosphere. The future? Lets hope the management sees the error of its ways. The licence is all it will take – the Crypt already has the customers and the goodwill.

Guy (Builder and DJ)
I’m disappointed and sad. There is nowhere now to go for a similar night locally. I love the Crypt’s diversity, both as a DJ and a clubber! It combines a relaxed atmosphere with exciting music, plus good bar staff and good company. Where to now? Manchester. Lancaster has nothing for me and many like me, now. What exactly is the point in shutting this place?

Tom (barman and music lover)
( This wasn’t just a job – it was my favourite club, and a community to many.

John (Assistant manager at the Royal Kings Arms, Manager of the Crypt)
I’m very disappointed at this arbitrary decision by Swallow Hotels, which has been made with little or no knowledge of the venue. It’s been based upon poor financial performance at a time when the licence was not applicable; so bears no relation to what the Crypt has actually earned consistently in revenue at the bar. I wish the company could see its potential, what we have done in the past and what we can do. Why not give the Crypt a chance? Why not invest in the venue, and re-launch, with the same spirit which has made it so popular, successful, and important in the community?

Apologies to the many other Crypt customers who also would have liked to comment here about the closure of this much-loved bar and music venue. Anyone wanting to air their views on this website can email the Editor.
Please do – all your comments will be passed on to the Alan Bowes, Executive Chairman of Swallow Hotels, and to Peter Gray, the Chief Executive
Or you can contact them directly at:

London & Edinburgh Inns
5th Floor, Meadow House, Medway Street, Maidstone
Kent ME14 1HL.
Tel: 0870 7700777
Fax:0870 9501716

CRYPT CLUB WILL NOT CLOSE
4/2/05: Swallow Hotels Chairman Alan Bowes has given Virtual Lancaster his personal assurance that the Crypt Club will be reopening in the very near future for the same use as before. He says the news of the closure was a shock to him as well. "I was in Lancaster between Christmas and New Year, he revealed, "and stated firmly to staff then that the Crypt was not going to become anything else. It's well known in Lancaster and will remain in its current use. My Chief Executive Peter Gray and I are baffled as to why it is closed," he added. "We're launching a full investigation and it won't be closed much longer -- we expect it to be reopened at the weekend. We will also be fully investigating the position of staff. Decisions like this cannot be taken at a local level and I certainly have not given permission for this. I apologise but emphasise that there has been no U-turn by senior
management. The Crypt is a popular venue and will continue as such." When it was pointed out that the Crypt did not currently have a Public Entertainment License, Mr Bowes said: " Well, it had better get one then!"
Local management have confirmed that the venue will reopen on Wednesday - repainted.