Twenty One Southend Closes Suddenly, Leaving Community in Shock
The sudden closure of Twenty One Southend has left locals heartbroken and questioning the future of community venues
Southend, UK, Twenty One, Closure, Community Venue, Simon Cross
Southend: The owners of Twenty One, located in Pier Approach, made a surprising announcement on social media. They shared that the café would be closing down, expressing gratitude to everyone who has been part of its journey.
While the exact reason for the closure hasn’t been revealed, it’s worth noting that the café, managed by the Focal Point Gallery and Southend Council, had previously shut its doors in 2018.
After reopening in 2021, it quickly became a favorite spot, hosting countless events. Simon Cross, a local campaigner and frequent visitor, shared his sadness over losing such a unique venue in Southend.
He mentioned how he attended many events there, from music nights to art competitions. Simon loved the café’s vibe and appreciated that many events were free, making it accessible to everyone.
He also pointed out that the café provided a fantastic space for artists and performers, as well as a venue for private parties. It’s a tough loss, and Simon speculated that the closure might be linked to the challenges venues face with rising rents and taxes.
This closure follows last year’s shutdown of the Ironworks, another beloved venue in Southend that struggled to secure necessary funding. Simon expressed disappointment, noting that while some venues remain, many just don’t fill the gap left behind.
He highlighted St Mark’s Church in Hamlet Road as one of the last great venues still standing. A spokesperson for Twenty One Southend concluded with a heartfelt message, thanking everyone who contributed to the café’s legacy and bidding farewell.