The Spitz occupies an unfortunate position on the edge of Old Spitalfields Market, which has been chipped away over the years by the expansion of the City. A rearguard action has saved the historic market buildings, and the market itself still retains its outsider ambience (but only just).

Being in one of those historic market buildings, the Spitz has been under intense pressure from their landlords for several years, presumably because the landlords could get more rent if that unit wasn’t occupied by an alternative music venue.

So that chapter in the history of the Spitz is over, but hopefully they’ll find a new venue and come out of their corner fighting. To mark the end of that era, there’ll be A Great Night in the Spitz on Thursday 27th September at 7pm, with tickets at £15 for an amazing line up of jazz, blues and other musicians.

To finish, my favourite quote in the campaign to Save the Spitz came from Beth Orton, who said

If the Spitz closes it will be an absolute disgrace and a sure sign that London is on the way to becoming a glorified shopping mall with a series of unnecessary restaurants and shops that only recognises the power of the City bonus and not the creative force that gave areas like Spitalfields its identity in the first place.”

Can’t say I disagree with her.

The good news is that it’s not all about me - this is going to be a night of great music and general shenanigans, all with a blues and soul vibe for the east london crowd. Sunday September 9th at the Old Blue Last - get there early!

p.s. Sorry Mike, but I’ll try to be in town for the next one, and throw down some of those hot rocks.