The award-winning Sound Lounge is about to become homeless, but owner Kieron Marshall insists they are not giving up yet.
The music venue, recording studio and coffee bar, which has regularly hosted festivals and workshops as well as setting up a charitable trust, is leaving its current home at Merton Abbey Mills due to financial difficulties and what Mr Marshall describes as “on site politics”.
Merton Abbey Mills market manager Peter Wallder said he wished them luck.
Mr Marshall said: “The business has struggled financially but it’s not gone bust.
“We’re hoping to relocate but we haven’t got anything planned yet. We need to find a big enough place with greater footfall and less politics.”
The Sound Lounge held its final festival at Merton Abbey Mills on Sunday, February 7, with acts including The Dave Bourne Band, Geraldine Gilmartin and Twisted Rhythm.
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There was also a performance from co-owner Hannah White, who won the Arts and Entertainment award for her work at the Sound Lounge at the Wimbledon Guardian’s Merton Civic Awards in July last year.
Hannah White
And, now the final festival has finished, the Sound Lounge are having an “emotional” time ripping apart the studio before they leave.
Mr Marshall said: “It’s really sad. I set this business up here with zero money.
“I’m from the Sadler Close council estate in Mitcham. I worked in pubs to save up money and buy equipment to start this, and everyone said I couldn’t do it. So it’s really sad.”
He added: “You live and you learn, but we’re not giving up yet.”
Market manager Mr Wallder said: "Restaurants and shops do change hands.
"I believe the Beer Emporium will be moving in there."
He added all the businesses based there are individually run and all try their best to be successful.
"We wish them luck," he added.
The Sound Lounge will continue to hold pop-up and community events while they look for temporary and permanent venues.
They will also be holding a weekly music night in Guerilla Bar in Tooting Broadway, from 5-8pm every Sunday.
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