A council boss has admitted the climate is 'difficult' for businesses in Southampton after a venue, club and bar all announced they would be closing.

On Friday, the owners of Revolucion de Cuba and The Art House on Above Bar Street and Suburbia on Onslow Road said they would be shutting their doors for good.

They all cited spiralling costs and the current economic climate as factors in their decision to close.

So what can be done to stem the tide?

Daily Echo:

The Echo posed this question to Southampton City Councillor Sarah Bogle, who is Cabinet Member for Economic Development.

She said it was 'sad news' that these 'much-loved venues are to close', adding: “The national picture is difficult for businesses at this present time with changes in culture and habits alongside the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Despite the financial support offer to hospitality businesses during the pandemic, business is now faced with the twin pressures of the cost of doing business, on top of the costs of living crisis.

“These pressures are reflected in a local ‘grassroots’ music venues such as Suburbia, having to close, and one of the sites of a national PLC, such as the Revolution Bars Group, alongside several others across the country taking a toll.”

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However, Cllr Bogle said that the council was working hard to support Southampton’s night-time economy.

She said: “The council is working with partners including Go! Southampton and Bluestar to support the city’s night-time economy, making travel simple and affordable with the £1 evening bus fare and significantly securing the prestigious Purple Flag Award from the Association of Town and City Management which recognises the city’s vibrant night-life centres are well-managed, exciting, appealing, safe, diverse, and offer a positive experience to consumers during the evening and night.”

Suburbia's last night was on Saturday. At the time, they said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for the whole team.”

Rob Pitcher is the chief executive of Revolution Bars Group, which owns Revolucion de Cuba.

He said: “Our younger customers are still feeling the disproportionate effect of the cost-of-living crisis and the national living wage will increase materially in April 2024.

"Therefore, we have taken the difficult yet ultimately beneficial step for the group to close several bars which are unprofitable.”