Troubadour (London nightclub) facts for kids
Exterior of the Troubadour in 2009
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| Location | 265 Old Brompton Road, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea London, SW59JA United Kingdom |
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| Coordinates | 51°29′20″N 0°11′30″W / 51.4888°N 0.1917°W |
| Public transit |  Earl's Court |
| Owner | Giles McNamee |
| Type | Nightclub, Coffee house and Music Venue |
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| Seating type | sitting and standing |
| Capacity | 120 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | 1954 but rumour has it as a music club and meeting place even earlier |
| Opened | 1954 |
The Troubadour is a famous music spot, restaurant, and pub in London. You can find it at 265 Old Brompton Road in the Earls Court area. It first opened its doors way back in 1954. This makes it one of London's oldest places for live music and coffee. Even today, you can enjoy live music there every single day!
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A Place for Music and Fun
The Troubadour is more than just a restaurant. It's a special place where people have gathered for decades. It's known for its cozy feel and for hosting many different types of music. You can hear everything from folk and rock to jazz and reggae. It's a great spot to discover new artists or listen to your favorite tunes.
Keeping the Music Alive
Like many old places, the Troubadour has faced challenges. In 2012, there were some concerns about noise from the garden area. This caused a few problems for the club. However, in 2015, a new owner named Giles McNamee stepped in. He promised to invest money to keep this historic music venue open. Thanks to him, the Troubadour continues to be a lively spot for music lovers.
Who Owned the Troubadour?
Over the years, the Troubadour has had a few different owners. Each one helped keep its spirit alive:
- 1954–1972: Michael and Sheila Van Bloemen, who started the club.
- 1972–1998: Bruce Rogerson.
- 1998–2015: Simon and Susie Thornhill.
- 2015–Present: Giles McNamee.
Famous Artists Who Played Here
Many well-known artists performed at the Troubadour early in their careers. It was a place where they could share their music and grow. Here are some of the famous names who graced its stage:
- Richard Harris: In 1956, this actor rehearsed a play here. He even met his future wife, Elizabeth, at the Troubadour!
- Charlie Watts: The drummer for The Rolling Stones played here in the summer of 1961.
- Bob Dylan: This legendary singer-songwriter performed at the Troubadour in December 1962. He even used a different name, "Blind Boy Grunt," for his show!
- Paul Simon: One half of the famous duo Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon played a show here on June 9, 1964.
- Joni Mitchell: This amazing singer-songwriter performed at the club in 1970.
- Robert Plant: While his band Led Zeppelin didn't have official shows here, Robert Plant was known to visit.
- Jazz Musicians: In the 1960s, jazz artists like Lionel Grigson, Spike Wells, and Mick Pyne played regular Sunday afternoon gigs.
- Sandy Denny: A tribute show was held for this folk singer at the venue in 2008.
- Martin Carthy: An important figure in British folk music, he also played at the Troubadour.
- Davey Graham: He was a key part of the folk music revolution in England during the 1960s.
