'Some people thought we were mad'

Music venue thriving three years on

- Lewis CLARKE

A LIVE music venue in Clevedon which opened in the wake of the Covid pandemic has celebrated its third birthday - and is continuing to thrive.

The Riff Corner threw open its doors in August 2022 at the same time many pubs had closed due to the devastating effects of the pandemic.

"It was a risk, and some people thought we were mad," said co-owner Steve Treble.

"But we had a real vision to make the place a hub for live entertainment for musicians right across the south west.

"What we offer here is something niche and unique."

Steve, a lifelong musician and owner of Treblerock in Clifton and Sylvie Dagaillier, who has owned the Bristol Fringe in Clifton for 16 years, set about transforming the dowdy former office shop into a modern day Speakeasy.

In its first three years of business, while many other venues have been forced out of business due to spiralling bills and ongoing cost of living crisis, The Riff Corner has continued to evolve and thrive, building up a significant customer base.