Worksop: Club owner warns we could ‘become ghost town’

The owner of a new comedy club which closed after just three months says Worksop will become a ‘ghost town’ if businesses don’t get support.
Worksop comedy club 'Rubican' closed downWorksop comedy club 'Rubican' closed down
Worksop comedy club 'Rubican' closed down

The Rubicon club, on Newcastle Street, was hailed as something fresh and different for the town when it opened in April.

Top comedy and cabaret acts, tribute performers and DJs were booked every weekend. And it was open during the week too.

It was meant to be a classy venue, away from the rowdiness of the main drag near Victoria Square.

Richard Anthony, creator of The Rubicon Comedy Club in WorksopRichard Anthony, creator of The Rubicon Comedy Club in Worksop
Richard Anthony, creator of The Rubicon Comedy Club in Worksop

But manager Richard Anthony, who has decades of industry experience, says people just did not come.

Worksop is dying. I thought I was going to bring something new but people weren’t interested,” he said.

People have said they are sad we’ve closed but they didn’t come and support us when the Rubicon was open.”

Mr Anthony said he had lost around £30,000 through the failed project.

He also blamed the police and council for not doing enough to manage the night time economy in Worksop.

“I have seen a major change in the town’s nightlife since I first came here three years ago to turn around Disraeli’s,” he said.

“The police and council need to take a very hard look at Worksop night life.”

“The people I was trying to attract don’t want to come into town.”

“Some bars are open until 5am while others are closing. They are desperate for punters and it can get really messy.”

“If nothing is done, in 18 months to two years Worksop is going to be a ghost town.”

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