Loved community bar to re-open in Essex after shock closure

The Ironworks team, in partnership with Leigh-on-Sea Town Council, has been hard at work preparing their brand-new home inside Leigh Community Centre.

And the grand opening is now just weeks away.

Following a stunning transformation of the café and bar space, complete with The Ironworks' signature green décor, luxurious antique chandeliers, and their much-loved red Chesterfield sofa, the venue is almost ready to welcome the community once again.

The Chesterfield sofa is back (Image: Public) Alongside a fully licensed bar, visitors can look forward to a wholesome new menu, fresh coffee, and a vibrant programme of cultural events.

The news will come as a massive relief to fans who were devastated when the original High Street venue closed its doors in February of 2024 after a six-month battle to secure funding.

The Ironworks are set to open (Image: Public) Despite a passionate fundraising campaign that raised thousands, sisters Ami and Natalie Solomons were forced to shut the centre after government and Southend Council grant funding ran out.

The Ironworks has become synonymous with bringing people together across Southend and Leigh through its inclusive, welcoming approach to community arts.

From live music and performances to social gatherings and creative workshops, the venue has built a reputation for fostering creativity, connection and wellbeing.

Regular favourites such as Club Tuesday, the much-loved additional needs club night, will be returning to the new venue, along with the hugely popular performance group, famous for their pop-up appearances at festivals and their unique takes on classics like Grease and The Greatest Showman.

The doors will open softly on Monday, September 8, ahead of an official launch celebration weekend beginning on Friday, September 19 with the return of Bare Cheek Comedy Variety Show.

On Saturday September 20, the festivities continue with free community performances from the Harmonise Choir and the ever-magical Magic Dave.

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Speaking about the remarkable comeback, Ami Solomons, Co-Founder of The Ironworks, said:

"We are so excited to be bringing The Ironworks back for the communities of Leigh-on-Sea and Southend. We are deeply grateful to Leigh-on-Sea Town Council for their support in getting us ready for this new chapter. The Ironworks has always been about people - creativity, connection, and belonging - and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back through our doors."

The original closure had left a significant gap in the

arts scene. At the time, Natalie Solomons described The Ironworks as "original and unique to even Essex" and said there was "nowhere like it."

The sisters had worked tirelessly to keep the dream alive, even paying staff wages from their own pockets before the closure was announced.

The new partnership with Leigh-on-Sea Town Council appears to provide the stability that the venture needed, offering hope that this beloved community hub can continue its mission of supporting artists, performers and community groups for years to come.

For more information and the latest updates, follow The Ironworks on Facebook at facebook.com/theIronWorksSouthend or email ami@kiwiproductions.co.uk.