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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Katie-Ann Gupwell

Pontypridd's well-known Soul Suite nightclub to close after 12 years

Pontypridd 's Soul Suite nightclub has officially closed its doors after welcoming punters for more than a decade.

The club, situated on High Street, has been trading for 12 years but this week managers confirmed it will never re-open its doors again under the Soul Suite name.

Even though many rumours have circulated as to why the business has closed its doors, the mangers have said there were several reasons which led to their decision to shut up shop.

The statement released by the Soul Suite team said: "It just ran its course over about 10 years as all nightclubs are doomed to do."

This building was known as the White Hart back in the day (Media Wales)

Co-manager of the club, Steve Roberts, posted the following announcement on the Soul Suite Pontypridd Facebook page: "Even though it must be public knowledge by now, we are sad to announce that The Soul Suite has now ceased trading and is closed only under that name permanently.

"The owner, Jamie, management over the years, myself, Ross, Jason, Liz, Gaynor, and staff - too many to mention over the glorious 12 years of the club - would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to every one of you who have partied with us over the years to make the club as successful as it has been.

"The bands we have had over those 12 years - totalling about 650 gigs in all - have been absolutely top class, and we have watched fledgling bands go from good to great, and we have watched the greats in there blow the roof off too.

"Not forgetting our DJs who have pampered to your every musical whim over those 1,872 nights of musical mayhem - you were the best! And not forgetting all our door staff who kept you safe every night.

"There were many reasons we closed our doors, and it would not be prudent or worthwhile listing them or pandering to gossip. It just ran its course over about 10 years as all nightclubs are doomed to do.

"Music changes, generations mature, and all must change with it.

"We've shed a few tears and made a few toasts, and in the end we can honestly say it's been worth it."

Revellers in Soul Suite (John Myers)

Steve said he has worked at the venue in all its incarnations since the White Hart Hotel, Flicks at the White Hart, The Flicks Rock Club, Silks, and most recently, the Soul Suite.

He described it as "two venues in one", with The Soul Suite downstairs, and Icons at the Suite upstairs, which homed the live music side of things.

Steve paid special thanks to all those at RCT Pubwatch (Mike Jacklin), the police force (Andy Taylor, Anthony Pitt), licensing (Bethan), and the fire service who worked closely with the team to ensure the safety of all at the club over the years.

He said: "I know it's a cliche in a way. They were firm with us - far more than the other clubs, but we did as we were asked and they were very fair with us throughout its 12 years of life, and that helped make it a success too.

"We approximate about 600,000 have crossed the threshold of the club in its 12 years, so we class ourselves as blessed by the people of RCT.

"We want to say about the thank you we owe to Jamie Mardon, the owner of the club, who had a vision of the club, and went with it even though many said it would never be successful.

"He's been a great boss, a better friend, and we owe him an unforgettable experience."

It's not yet clear what will happen to the building, but Steve said the team wish its future keepers every success.

Steve added:"We wish the next keepers of this hallowed building great success, as we have had, in whatever reincarnation it returns, and if any of our staff over the years could tag yourselves in this, please do.

"But for now you bunch of beautiful nutters - it's goodbye and thank you from us all. Have a great future."

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