Very sad to learn this week that The Birdcage pub and venue in the heart of the Norwich Lanes has announced that it will not be renewing its lease and will be closing.

The news came from a post on the Birdcage Instagram account on Thursday.

THANKYOU and GOODNIGHT. It is with a heavy heart that we have decided to say goodbye to this magical building. We have had the most EPIC time over the last 15 years but our lease is up now and we’d rather leave the party at this point with all those good memories than be booted out at last orders 🤣. We lived for messy nights out, live performances, chaos and creativity. To all of the performers, artists and creatives we’ve seen here over the years KEEP GOING! You are INCREDIBLE and we will always be cheering you on from the sidelines. We know those sunny days will come again so here’s to the next chapter and we’ll be doing EVERYTHING we can to support our friends and fellow businesses throughout this time. SO much love Norwich. Keep strong and THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU xxxx

This is a massive loss to the city in many ways and will send shockwaves as to just how hard the restrictions on independent businesses in the hospitality and live music industry are hitting and must surely be the major factor behind this decision.

Big thanks to all at the Birdcage and those such as Alex Carson and Robbie Powell, among many others, who have hosted gigs there over the years. I wish all involved with The Birdcage the best in their next endeavors and thank them for all the gigs and friendships forged there.