The Cluny facts for kids
The Cluny is a popular place in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, where you can enjoy live music, grab a bite to eat, and hang out. It's located in the Ouseburn Valley area, inside an old building that used to be a factory. The Cluny is known for being one of the best bars in the world, and it's the only one from Newcastle on that special list!
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The Cluny's Story
The building where The Cluny is now was built way back in 1848. It started as a factory that spun flax, which is a plant used to make fabric. Later, in 1860, it became a flour mill.
At some point, the building was used as a place to bottle Scotch whisky, and it was called "The Cluny." That's how the place got its name!
In 1982, a theater group bought the building and turned it into a space for artists. Then, in 1999, a part of the building opened as The Cluny Bar. In 2002, a company called The Head Of Steam took over, and that's when The Cluny became the cool music venue and bar it is today. You can also get food from The Cluny Kitchen there. The building itself is very old and special, so it's protected as a Grade 2 listed building.
Where to Find The Cluny
The Cluny is in Newcastle upon Tyne's Ouseburn Valley. This area used to be full of busy factories during the Industrial Revolution. But then, many of those old industries closed down.
Since 1996, the Ouseburn Valley has been changing into a lively cultural spot. Groups like the Ouseburn Trust have worked hard to bring new life to the area. They help people learn about the history of the valley and get involved in its growth.
Now, the Ouseburn Valley is home to many creative and fun places. These include:
- Seven Stories, a center for children's books
- Ouseburn Farm, where you can see animals
- Stepney Bank Stables, for horse riding
- The Star & Shadow Cinema
- Art galleries like The Biscuit Factory
The valley is named after the Ouseburn river, which flows into the River Tyne. The river is just a short walk from The Cluny!
The Bar at The Cluny
The Cluny's bar is famous for having a huge choice of different drinks, especially local ones from nearby breweries. In 2004, The Cluny was one of only two pubs in Newcastle to be listed in the "Good Pub Guide."
The Music Venue
The Cluny is known as a very important place for new bands to get noticed in the region. Many famous musicians have played there over the years, including:
- The Vapors
- The Vaccines
- Arctic Monkeys
- Kate Nash
- Mumford & Sons
- Editors
- We Are Scientists
- Daniel Johnston
- Seasick Steve
- The Go! Team
- Paul Heaton
In 2002, the pop singer Dannii Minogue performed at The Cluny. In 2007, the band Maxïmo Park played their new album there before it was released.
In 2008, Duffy played at The Cluny when her song "Mercy" was number one. Later that year, Solange Knowles, who is Beyoncé's younger sister, also performed there on her first UK tour.
The Cluny is also used for filming TV shows and is a key venue for the Evolution Festival, UK. In 2010, the legendary band New York Dolls played three concerts there.
Award for Best Live Music Venue
In May 2009, The Cluny was voted the "Best Live Music Venue" by Generator North East, a group that helps music in the region.
Cluny 2
In 2009, The Cluny took over another nearby venue that used to be called The Round Theatre. They renamed it Cluny 2. This is a smaller venue, like a theater, that can hold about 180 people. It opened on May 11, 2009, with performances by Beth Jeans Houghton and Dot To Dots.
Since then, Cluny 2 has hosted many great acts, including:
- The Low Anthem
- Elliott Brood
- Woodpigeon
- Dent May
- Alvin Youngblood Hart
