A BAR where “everyone was allowed to be themselves” has been remembered by those who knew it best ahead of its final hurrah this evening.
V-Bar, in High Street, has been a staple of Colchester nightlife for the last two decades, but will shut its doors for good following tonight's farewell.
The announcement of the closure, in which bosses acknowledged it was “time to say goodbye”, has been met with widespread disappointment and upset.
Sammy Britton, who previously managed V-Bar, famed for its precariously steep staircase said: “It was always so much more than a bar.
“Lifelong friendships were made in that tiny sweat box where everyone was allowed to be themselves.
“A disgraceful amount of booze was served; some criminal safety dances were danced and some seriously wonderful memories were quickly forgotten.
“Goodnight sweet V-Bar. You will be missed and always spoken of fondly.”
Ben Howard, who promoted many gigs at the venue over the years, was also saddened to hear of the news.
“It's certainly the end of an era with the bar closing, but we there are so many memories and tales to keep everyone talking for years to come,” he said.
Lily and Lewis, who have enjoyed many a performance within the tiny bar, agreed, saying: “This is the end of an era.
“V Bar, you've helped us not grow into real adults in our heads. Nice one for years of good music and, more recently, for spinning The Meffs at two in the morning.”
Gig photographer and V-Bar frequent Jonathan Dadds, reflected fondly on the time he has spent in the venue.
He added: “Over the years I've gained so many bruises and sweated so many litres at gigs in that wonderful place.
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“The number of people who crammed into the downstairs to watch live music on a Friday night was always nuts.
“I somehow made it through my 20s without falling down the stairs, although there was always someone who did.
“It was just a nice place to be, always good people there and nice staff.”
David Mansfield, who was a DJ at the popular bar for 11 years and will be part of its final celebrations, is equally as disheartened.
“If you weren’t a regular visitor, you probably never quite got how special it was and the vibe and sense of community it created,” he said.
"All the waifs and strays, the freaks and geeks, they all found a place to be themselves there in that sweaty little bar.
“Everyone was welcome, from all walks of life - even if you felt society didn’t have a place for you, V-Bar welcomed you in with open arms.
“So as the lights come on and the final bars of the last songs of the weekend ring in your ears, remember it fondly for what it was.
“There was nothing quite like it around these parts, and there may never be again - truly believe I left a piece of my soul within those four walls."
David continued: "I’d like to say a personal thank you to every member of staff that ever served a drink, to the owners for allowing us to make and keep it what it was and to every manager that ran themselves ragged keeping the place going.
"From every doorman who kicked out a drunk, and to every DJ and band that stole the show.
"From every customer that bought a drink and to every regular that danced on the ceiling and took their tops off at the end of the night and embraced each other."
The venue will bid farewell tonight with its Thnks fr th Mmrs event with DJ Matt Huffle.
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