If both Claire and Chloe Grist jest their working and marital relationships are of “left” and “right tit,” respectively, it might explain the reason for their chosen species of bird on the logo of their popular music promotion Facebook page, Bird is the Word!
However, in order to incorporate the letter B on the logo of their latest adventure, a new music venue for Trowbridge town centre which opens tonight, Friday 17th July, the bird this time more resembles a chubby pigeon! After poking my nose into the new gaff at a private invite opening party last night, I’d favour comparing The Birdhouse to a phoenix, rising from the ashes of political ballyhoo surrounding property in the area, and hopefully proving hospitality will better save the High Street over retail.
Swindon’s Old Town is an already established example, where bars, restaurants and music venues co-exist within walking distance. With The Pump a stone’s throw away, already bucking the unfortunate trend of venues closing, and The Old Town Hall, just next door to this new venue breathing life back into entertainment and community-driven events in Trowbridge, seems the time is nigh for the Birdhouse, a comfy but lively and friendly free music venue, with bar and a menu of sharing platters.
It was a popular “soft” opening, and great fun, as guests gathered to celebrate the coming of The Birdhouse. To dot the few remaining i’s and cross the t’s I expect the team will be busy today, for the mayor arrives at 6pm to officially open the venue. Then it starts as it means to go on, with Trowbridge punkers Brakelight being the first official band to grace The Birdhouse stage at 8:30pm. Entrance is free, please support it, because, from what we’ve seen of it so far, it looks fantastic!
The Sir Issac Pitman building on Trowbridge’s Silver Street is a listed building from 1976, and architecturally many of its grand features are retained. Nine years after Wetherspoons relocated, Claire and Chloe have teamed with the former operator of The Boathouse and director of SD Hospitality Management Ltd, Sam Dean, to see this glorious reformation as a music venue, The Birdhouse.
Aesthetically it’s also comfy, with lots of sofas and soft chairs, and functionally it serves its purpose aptly, with a lengthy bar reaching across the back, a convertible stage area, and ground floor spacious enough for a dancefloor. And you just know, with that Cracking Pair’s dedication to the local music scene, it’s going to get a lot of use!
Soloist and one half of The Hot Juice Project duo, Jake Lockhart was actually and unofficially the first person to grace the new stage at The Birdhouse, entertaining the guests, as nibbles were handed out and Sam, Claire and Chloe gave an improv speech declaring their gratitude from their supporters and of dreams coming true. We wish them all the very best with their new project, and look forward to the prospect of partying with them as soon as possible!
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