A beloved UK nightclub chain has announced the closure of its venue in Bournemouth as Popworld’s struggling owner Stonegate carries out a £1billion sale of 1,000 oubs and bars
Popworld has announced the closure of another popular nightclub – its third to close in the space of just a few weeks.
The chain’s Bournemouth venue is close its doors on March 15 after two years in the city as owner Stonegate carries out a £1billion sale of over 1,000 pubs and bars across Britain to reduce debt.
It comes after a Popworld closed in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, last week after eight years of trading. Last year, the chain offloaded venues in Portsmouth, Bristol, Watford and Chelmsford, with some of these since reopening under new management and branding.
Popworld, known for its playlist of 1990s and 2000s ‘cheesy pop’ hits, currently has 34 venues across the country.
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Announcing the new closure and teasing a “big change”, Popworld Bournemouth posted on its Facebook page this week: “After many unforgettable nights, incredible celebrations, and countless memories on the dancefloor, we want to let you know that Popworld will be closing its doors on Sunday 15th March 2026 for a big change.
“Over the last 2 years, you’ve chosen us for your birthdays, graduations, reunions, special occasions, and spontaneous nights out with friends and we are truly grateful. You’ve filled our venue with energy, laughter, music, and moments that we will never forget.
“From packed dance floors to late night singalongs, themed events to milestone celebrations, every night was special because of you. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your biggest celebrations and your best nights out.”
Stonegate Group, which also owns Slug & Lettuce and Be At One, was last year said to be exploring the sale of more than 1,000 pubs – and has already put 22 pubs on the market.
The pub company, which remains the largest in Britain, racked up much of its debt through its 2019 acquisition of rival Ei Group, which was finalised just months before the Covid pandemic forced pubs to shut across the country.
Nearly 800 late-night businesses closed in the UK between 2020 and 2025, according to the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), marking a 37% drop in the number of venues.
The industry body has called for significant UK nightclub venues to be given “protected status” amid warning that all nightclubs could be closed by 2029 if current trends continue.
It comes as various financial pressures, the aftereffects of the pandemic and changes in habits among young people continue to hit the night-time economy.
