Is it lights out for nights out? The demise of Maidenhead's nightclubs

Those at home for the holidays may wonder what Maidenhead's nightlife offers now, following the closure of two nightclubs in the past 12 months.

According to data from CGA Neilson, the Night Time Industries Association recently revealed a ‘devastating decline’ in nightclub venues nationwide with 65 closures between December 2023 and June 2024.

This ‘notable loss of entertainment’ has also been identified in Maidenhead, says Toby Denney, proprietor of Off the Tap and Stripes bar at Maidenhead United FC.

“It’s quite poor and it’s been declining for many, many years not just because of what’s available in the town, but I suppose the wider trends economically and socially,” he told the Advertiser.

His bar and club Potion and Motion – featuring retro arcade games, ping pong, and booths with vintage and modern consoles – announced its closure after two years in July due to a decision ‘out of our control’.

Toby previously said the closure would impact youngsters with no alternatives in Maidenhead, but the ‘trend for town centres is the end of late-night venues’.

This is backed up by further data from CGA Neilson which confirmed the UK lost 480 nightclubs between June 2020 and June 2024.

Across the South and South East, the reduction was from 92 to 70 venues – down 24 per cent.

Toby attributed this to a cultural shift amongst the younger generation who choose to visit nightclubs less.

“Youngsters aren’t going out and late-night drinking like they would’ve in my generation or older generations,” he said.

“The economic [climate] does not help either.”

The cost of living crisis has been a contributing factor, said Toby, as the ‘money is just not there for people’ with people opting for cheaper nights out or staying in more.

“Although some of it is the offering itself,” he added.

“Maidenhead doesn’t have much to offer.

“Lots of people are now going to Marlow, Wycombe is becoming a popular destination again – but it was always quite popular because of its universities.

“[In] Maidenhead – there’s been a notable loss of entertainment compared to other towns.”

One 27-year-old resident, Elise Harrington said the ‘nightlife in Maidenhead has taken a definite hit over the last ten years’.

“It’s sad because I know the nightlife in Maidenhead was a really important part of my late teenage years,” she said.

“I think the availability of late-night venues reflects the council’s future design of the town but I don’t agree this has been thought through.

“Any new venues that do appear are very short-lived.”

Currently, The Rose in King Street is one of the only remaining venues in Maidenhead town centre with a licence to stay open later than 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

CEO of the Night Time Industries Association Michael Kill said the 'sector is treated like an afterthought', adding: 

"The nightclub and dance music sector is facing an unprecedented crisis.

"This rapid decline is devastating for our economy, culture, and communities."

RBWM council says Maidenhead town centre boasts a ‘fantastic vibe in the evenings’ but recognises the need for residents to enjoy late-night entertainment.

Cabinet member for leisure councillor Jack Douglas said the council was proud to support Potion and Motion and Smokeys nightclub which closed on December 31 2023 after 50 years in the town.

”We are completely in favour of fun, and recognise the role that late-night venues play in the life of the town,” he told the Advertiser.

“We’ve been proud to support Smokeys and Potion and Motion and value the contributions they’ve made.

“Maidenhead has never had such an amazing collection of restaurants - there is a fantastic vibe in the evenings, and there is more to come.

“Residents should be able to enjoy late-night entertainment too.

“While that balance is more challenging now that the town centre has a more residential character, we believe it is possible for nightclubs to thrive in the right locations, and look forward to supporting future venues.”