Kiss Bar, a late-night venue on Park End Street, has been permanently closed just months after ATIK Oxford was shut down in the same building. The owners made the announcement on social media, explaining that the decision was forced on them by landlords, who wish to repurpose the building.
Writing on Facebook, Kiss Bar said: “They [the landlords] have decided to take back all of the premises situated within their building, in a view to change the purpose of the building, therefore this obviously means we have to go.” The venue had been running for 23 years until its closure was announced on Sunday 22nd December.
Kiss described having experienced a “reduction with the foot fall” after ATIK shut down earlier in the year. The bar had previously been home to both “Intrusion”, a Goth and Industrial Night, as well as “Metaaal!!!”, a club night dedicated to heavy metal music, although Kiss has said this will not be the end of these events.
The bar had been a popular venue with students at Oxford University. One student told Cherwell: “I’m devastated that Kiss is shutting down – especially following the closure of ATIK too.” Another added: “It just feels like nightlife in Oxford is dying, there’s a place closing down practically every week.” Commenting on the Facebook post, one user described it as a “true legacy being lost” and another said that they “felt for the younger generation”.
In the post, the owners thanked both their customers and staff, saying: “You helped to create one of the best party destinations in Oxford and we will be forever grateful to you.”
The closure marks another blow to Oxford nightlife, a sector which has been struggling nationwide, exacerbated by the impact of both Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. The Night Time Industries Association recently warned that if closures continue at their current rate, there will be no clubs left in the UK by New Year’s Eve of 2029.
Cherwell has contacted New Cantay House and Kiss Bar Oxford for comment.
