London venue Nambucca goes up in flames

• 17th Dec 2008

The much loved London pub Nambucca was burnt down last night.

The fire began at around 11:30 pm and is reported to have started in the cellar of Nambucca, based on Holloway Road North London.

Flats above the venue have been home to many indie bands, including The Holloways, Kid Harpoon, Frank Turner, We Smoke Fags, The Supernovas, Girls Cant Dance, Beans on Toast and Florence and the Machine. It has already been confirmed that several bands have seen their equipment be destroyed.

At 6.30am the fire was still burning with 100 firemen in attendance, as well as national grid, and a Salvation Army truck giving out food. The fire spread throughout the building. Fortunately, there have been no casualties.

As of now, Wednesday 3pm, the various staff and musicians who reside above the venue are being returned belongings that have been salvaged. There's a general atmosphere of shock and disbelief, with many people facing the prospect of being literally homeless over the Christmas period.

The Glasswerk Offices are directly opposite the venue providing a clear view as flames engulfed the building, reviving memories of The Hawley Arms a year ago. Glasswerk and Nambucca have enjoyed close links over the last few years – as well as our local watering hole it has played host to many a Glasswerk show, including Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster. Whether the venue can be resurrected remains to be seen, but even in the short term it is going to be hugely missed by the staff and tenants, regular drinkers, and London's indie music scene in general.