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A popular Nottingham haunt is closing down, to the dismay of regulars.

Seven years after "eatery and funhouse" Spanky Van Dyke's opened its doors in the heart of student land, it announced that the end is nigh - despite business booming.

Rumours were confirmed when the bar, in Goldsmith Street, posted a Facebook message that it was to close for good after a New Year’s Eve party.

A member of bar staff told the Post they were not allowed to comment but the management's announcement said: “Well, this is it. The end of Spanky Van Dyke's.

(Image: James Turner)

"We want to thank the good people of Nottingham for seven amazing years and invite you all to come raise a final glass with us before we close for good at 3am (on New Year's Eve).

“Business has been booming and the team is the strongest it's ever been but sadly, we don't own the building and it's now being developed by the landlords.”

The news left scores of Spanky’s fans, past and present, aghast.

Ben Knight has enjoyed many a good night there over the last year. He said: "I really like the more alternative vibe it has - it doesn't try to hard to be what it is, it feels like going to a particularly cool friend's house.

“It is a fantastic hub of uncommon entertainment in the city with goth nights, drag queens and out-there music and I'll be honestly very upset to see it go.”

The 24-year-old freelance writer, who lives close to the venue in the city centre, added: “I'm worried this is heralding a wider homogenising of Nottingham's bar scene where there'll be nothing but forgettable chains.”

(Image: Ashley Green)

Tom Norton, 29, was a regular before he moved from Nottingham to London.

He said: “I've had some of my best nights out at Spanky's. The upstairs was a great space for gigs, while they opened up downstairs for DJs.

“They did a fantastic line in chicken wings too! I'm gutted that it's closing. There are few other places in Nottingham with that amount of space where you can chill out, get a pint and listen to some actually decent tunes with your pals. Why couldn't it have been one of those banal diners that are ten-a-penny right now?”

English language teacher Lorna Diane, 49, has fond memories of get-togethers with friends before and after gigs.

She said: “Firstly it’s a great shock and secondly a great disappointment.

“This legendary establishment is one of the coolest places to hang out in Nottingham and I am hoping that something changes between now and the 31st so that it continues to be.”

Entry to the New Year’s Eve party will be free with DJ Tommy K Events spinning classics from 8pm to 3am.

Spanky’s ended its sad message: “Come drink us dry! The only liquid left on site will be our tears. Thank you everyone and good night. We love you all.”

The bar is owned by Birmingham-based Mitchells & Butlers, one of the UK's largest restaurant, pub and bar operators, which also runs Miller & Carter Steakhouses in Wollaton and Arnold and Toby Carvery at Colwick Park.

The Post contacted the company for a comment but it has to response.

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