Proud Camden to close as owner plans two new openings

Live music, gallery and cabaret venue Proud Camden is to close after 17 years in operation.

Proud Camden, which is due to close on 4 March, was founded in 2001 by Alex Proud and is claimed to be the venue of Ed Sheeran's first ever live performance.

He said he was "dedicated to keeping the Proud venues fresh" and has found two new venues - on London's Embankment, located underneath Waterloo Bridge, and on Camden High Street. Proud said they would open "in due course".

He added: "After more than 17 years at the Stables Market in Camden and having been part of the transformation of a town that is now thriving with visitors from across the globe, we have decided to move on. This is another chapter in our story, but I do think it's a sad one for Camden to lose a venue with such a rich musical heritage."

The proud gallery was a popular drinking haunt in the 90s for A-list celebs such as Amy Winehouse, Kate Moss, Liam Gallagher and Pete Doherty.

In 2006, Proud Camden moved to its current location, a 200-year-old former horse hospital at Camden Stables Market. It houses a roof garden and bar, art gallery, live music hall and cabaret restaurant.

The official closing party will be held on 28 February and will raise funds for the Night Time Industries Association.

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