Owner of iconic city venue left ‘heartbroken’ over decision to close up
THE owner of an historic Cardiff venue says she is heartbroken after being forced to close it down, saying: “It is impossible to run a small business in that area.”
The Casablanca Club has closed just a year after it reopened its doors.
Leigh-Ann Regan, the owner of the revived Casablanca, who grew up in Butetown and Grangetown, said: “The rates, pavement licence, insurance, music licence – it is just impossible.
“We had hardly any mark-up.
“It was heartbreaking to spend so much money making it welcoming to everyone, both local and further afield.
“In the end we were just busy fools.” The Casablanca Club was an iconic part of Tiger Bay.
From 1965, the building was a central space for people from all walks of life to gather and share their love of music, drawing famous artists from all over the world.
Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Ruffin, Spandau Ballet and Shirley Bassey all performed at the venue in its previous guise, which continued to hold a special place in the hearts of the closely-knit community around it even after it was eventually demolished.
Originally the Bethel Chapel, the club operated until the early 1990s until it was knocked down in 1996 – but has remained alive in the memories of those who spent their evenings drinking and dancing the night away there.
A special production was even held a few years ago in celebration of the venue, as DJ Keith Murrell explained its significance: “The Casablanca Club was absolutely central to my own musical education – and pivotal in the musical history of Cardiff, even Wales.
“But, more than this, the interactions, friendships and affinities have had a profound and lasting impact on many who remember the Casablanca with affection and pride.”
Leigh-Ann, born and bred in Cardiff, opened the new Casablanca Club and Cafe on the site of the old iconic building at the end of 2022 with the aim of bringing locals, actors, producers, and directors together to share ideas and conversation, and serving tapas and cocktails.
It was intended as a place for artists and creative people to meet and collaborate in Butetown, in the spirit of the former iconic venue.
Leigh-Ann, who also runs the Regan Management talent agency in Cardiff, which represents talent in TV, film, theatre, musical theatre and commercials, told The Cardiffian: “We booked unknown talent to be seen by agents and studios, we held local councillor meetings, Pact [Partnerships and Communities Together] meetings and meetings for TV and film production companies, women in film and TV events, monthly lesbian events, speed dating, quiz nights. We did everything.”
Millie Rose, a singer and musical theatre performer from Cardiff who performed regularly at the revived Casablanca, said: “I am absolutely gutted the Casablanca has closed.
“It was a venue I always looked forward to performing at because I felt everyone there genuinely wanted to listen to the music.”
Leigh-Ann said upcoming changes to business rates and business rates relief in Wales influenced her decision to close the venue.
The rates are set to rise by 6.7% on April 1, while in England this rise will not take place.
Hospitality businesses in Wales have struggled in 2024, with a raft in Cardiff alone closing in the first months of the year.
Wales has lost more than 1,000, or 17% of its licensed hospitality venues since the start of the pandemic, compared to a 14% drop in England and 13% in Scotland, according to data from CGA by NIQ and Alix Partners Hospitality Market Monitor.
UK Hospitality Cymru is concerned that the new rates and cuts to business rate relief in April could see further closures further diminish Wales’ hospitality sector.
“The closures we are seeing are deeply worrying,” said David Chapman,
executive director of UK Hospitality Cymru. “The stark numbers reflect the extent to which Welsh hospitality businesses have suffered since the start of the pandemic.
“They will be concerning for our venues and the thousands of livelihoods they support across Wales.
“The Welsh Government’s decision to reduce business rates relief will simply widen the gap between Welsh and English businesses, worsening the situation for businesses.
“Our local communities face losing vital social centres and crucial jobs.
“The cutting of relief exposes the unjust, archaic business rates system which sees our bricks and mortar businesses pay way above what should be considered a fair share.
“We need immediate, increased business rates support, followed by fast-track reform, or more closures are inevitable.”