Rubix bar owner 'concerned' by closure of ATIK Colchester

Jeremy Durrant, who owns the Rubix bar and nightclub in Crouch Street, Colchester, was saddened by the news of ATIK’s permanent closure on June 3.

Despite his sadness, Jeremy added he was “not surprised” by the news of the impending closure as “the nightlife in Colchester and most of our neighbouring towns and cities are still feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis”.

His venue, which is known for attracting partygoers who want to let their hair down while enjoying a playlist from the 80s and 90s, has seen a significant drop in footfall since the Covid pandemic.

Owner - Jeremy Durrant, who owns Rubix in Crouch Street, Colchester (Image: Jeremy Durrant)

People are starting to return to the vibrant bar but its owner, who fears the closure of ATIK will have a knock-on effect on other city centre venues, admits “it’s not the same as it was”.

Mr Durrant explained: “People don’t have as much disposable income as they used to, but there’s still fantastic venues in the city – us being one of them – so there’s lots of reasons to visit.

“The Hippodrome, as it was then known, was one of the first nightclubs I went to in the 90s, so it holds real sentimental value. Owning a venue brings back the nostalgia and good times.

"Although I'm excited and relatively positive for the months ahead I think the stark message to everyone who enjoys a good night out in Colchester has to be 'use us or lose us' in these uncertain times."

Venue - Rubix (Image: Jeremy Durrant)

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Why is ATIK Colchester closing?

The closure of the huge High Street nightclub was confirmed last week.

A spokesperson for ATIK said: “Unfortunately, late night trading, particularly around the 18- to 19-year-old market in Colchester has been challenging, so we have therefore taken the difficult decision to close the venue on June 3.

“We will work on our long-term plans for the venue and in the meantime, we would like to thank our staff and guests who have helped make ATIK such a great place to enjoy a night out since launching in 2016.”

Colchester BID manager Sam Good said his team will offer support to employees in finding new employment in the city centre.

Initially the Hippodrome, the nightclub was sold in 2008, becoming Liquid and Envy.

In 2016, the nightclub was bought by its current owners, Rekom UK, and re-opened under its current guise

Andy Starr, who is the chair of Colchester Pubwatch, said the group was “very sad to learn that this iconic city centre venue is to close”.