NEWPORT, Wales (CelebrityAccess) — Music Venue Properties (MVP), a charitable community benefit society established by the Music Venue Trust to acquire and directly own small concert venues, has announced the acquisition of Le Pub, a popular grassroots venue in Newport.
Le Pub, also known locally as Le Public Space, has been a cornerstone of Newport’s live music scene since it opened in 1992. Over the past three decades, it has operated as a bar, restaurant, and nightclub, hosting performances by artists such as Skindred and Kids in Glass Houses.
Following its acquisition by MVP, Le Pub will continue to operate with reduced risk of issues related to landlords and rent.
“We are very excited to be part of the Music Venue Properties family of owned venues. Having a landlord who is as passionate about live music as we are will make a massive difference to us and guarantee the venue’s future in Newport,” said Samantha Dabb, the manager of Le Pub.
Launched by the Music Venue Trust in 2021 and funded largely through crowdfunding, MVP aims to alleviate the financial pressures on grassroots venues by freeing them from the constraints of commercial ownership. Using a ‘friendly lease’ model, MVP reduces rents, contributes to insurance and repairs, and offers rent breaks during challenging times.
Since its inception, MVP has raised millions of pounds to support its mission. Le Pub joins a growing list of venues in MVP’s portfolio, which includes the Snug Coffeehouse in Manchester, the Ferret in Preston, the Bunkhouse in Swansea, and the Booking Hall in Dover.
