Rising costs force music venue to shut after two years

A live music venue that launched in Birmingham two years ago has closed due to rising bills and running costs.

Jukeboxers, a cocktail and piano bar, said the expenses of rent, business rates and quiet week nights alongside a utility bill of around £80,000 has forced the business to cease trading.

The bar is sited underneath the Utilita Arena.

A statement said: “After nearly two years of providing great music, laughter, and memories, we say a heart-felt goodbye to Jukeboxers Duelling Piano Bar.

“We have always been committed to offering a unique and entertaining experience to our patrons. From the outside looking in, we seemed to be thriving! Unfortunately, despite our amazing Saturdays and substantial efforts to prop up our weeknights, the high expenses of rent, utilities, business rates, and the running costs to provide the concept we love, live and breathe have made it impossible for us to continue as a venue.

“In the meantime, we will continue to provide the show you know and love on the go via Jukeboxers 2U. We could not be more excited to provide a bit of the Jukeboxers charm for the weddings and fun-filled events we have on the books for 2023/2024.

“We hope that someday, whether it’s us or someone else in the distant future, another piano bar will open in Birmingham and provide a fun, unique, inclusive, and engaging experience for everyone.”