Bristol music venue once used as filming location for Only Fools and Horses goes up for sale

Fiddlers Club, on Willway Street in Bedminster, has been put on the market for £2 million.
-Credit:PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC


A late night music venue in south Bristol that has hosted the likes of Robert Plant, Billy Bragg and George Ezra over the last 30 years faces an uncertain future after being put up for sale. Fiddlers Club, on Willway Street in Bedminster, was put up for sale and is listed at £2 million.

The venue, which was purchased by the Cleary family in 1994, was formerly an 18th century prison before being converted into a nightclub and music venue. As well as hosting various acts over three decades, it has also hosted parties with Aardman Animations and was a filming location for Only Fools and Horses.

However, the family have decided that they want to pass on the venue to someone else, according to City & Rural Property Auction, who are marketing the property. A message on behalf of the family, within the listing, said: “The family think it is time to pass on the bow!

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: Huge driving licence change 'coming this year', government confirms

READ MORE: New pizza restaurant planned for former bank site in city centre of Bristol

“They consider it is time to thank all the customers and promoters for contributing to the success and are very grateful for introducing to Bristol an incredible range of music styles, expanding their knowledge and hearing music never experienced before. So, it is now time to be on the other side of the bar! All the best [from] Dan and Joe.”

The former prison was bought by the Cleary family in 1994 and turned into a music venue.
The former prison was bought by the Cleary family in 1994 and turned into a music venue. -Credit:PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC

The building consists of two floors, with the music venue itself being located on the ground floor. However, uncertainty over the club remains as there is potential for a new development which could consist of three or four storeys.

The property, which is marketed at £2 million with offers welcomed, includes the music venue building and ancillary accommodation and a separate warehouse which is 200 sqm in size. The nightclub portion of the property is 539 sqm.

The music venue could be turned into a residential development according to the marketers.
The music venue could be turned into a residential development according to the marketers. -Credit:PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC

The listing notes that the venue is between the Whitehouse Street regeneration project and the Bedminster Green regeneration scheme, which has already seen 800 student apartments built. The listing said: “Clearly the property offers potential for redevelopment to include three to four floors.

ADVERTISEMENT

“With the introduction of the Whitehouse Street regeneration project it offers significant residential potential. The adjoining owners have indicated they would consider selling and a larger overall development may be possible.”

Fiddlers, with a capacity of 450 people according to its website (650 on the listing), built up a reputation for hosting live bands, weddings and celebrations through a mix of different rooms.

What are your memories over the last 30 years in Fiddlers? Let us know by emailing alex.driscoll@reachplc.com.