London’s Barfly Venue Set to Return Under Historic Name, Frank Turner to Play Exclusive Gig

One of London’s most storied grassroots music venues is returning to its roots. The Camden Assembly, the North London venue formerly known as The Barfly, is preparing to revive its historic name after nearly a decade operating under its current branding. 

The move comes following the venue’s acquisition by Propaganda Independent Venues, led by co-founders Dan Ickowitz-Seidler and Richard Buck, and joined by co-owner Chris McCormac. 

The new era will commence with a show from British rock act Frank Turner on June 22. Ticket registration opens June 15 at 9 a.m. (BST), with access limited to those who sign up in advance. Further ticketing information can be found via Barfly Camden’s Instagram page.

Located on Chalk Farm Road in Camden, the 200-capacity venue has been a fixture of London’s live music scene since the 1980s, where it first operated as The Monarch. It became The Barfly in the early 2000s and earned a reputation as one of the U.K.’s most important small-capacity venues, hosting early performances from artists including Coldplay, Amy Winehouse, The xx and a four-night residency from Ed Sheeran.

The venue was rebranded as Camden Assembly in 2016 following a change in ownership and refurbishment. Ickowitz-Seidler and Buck have stated that restoring the Barfly name is part of a broader effort to reconnect the venue with its musical heritage.

In a statement, Ickowitz-Seidler said: “Barfly means so much to us all, and we’re honoured to be starting a new chapter in its story. We’ll be announcing more very special shows shortly, but Frank Turner is the perfect artist to relaunch the Barfly stage. He embodies everything Barfly stands for.

“I hope live music fans will come out and support not just Barfly, but grassroots venues across the country. Before so many of today’s biggest artists were filling arenas and headlining festivals, they played at Barfly. You could be watching the next festival headliner on our stage on any night. Before the arenas, they were here!”

According to a report from Access All Areas, the new owners have planned to build a Wall of Fame featuring images and memorabilia. In the months ahead, a series of blue plaques will also be unveiled at the venue, marking notable artists and that helped shape its history. The new iteration of the Camden Barfly will also reportedly house a vinyl listening bar inspired by Tokyo’s celebrated listening-bar culture.