Iconic Pretoria venue, African Beer Emporium, to close its doors after 8 memorable years

Popular entertainment venue in Pretoria the African Beer Emporium (ABE) has announced that it will close its doors in November after eight years of operating.

“We have been looking at selling the business for a few months now but we have not been able to find a suitable purchaser. After eight years of operating the business we feel that it is time for someone else to breathe new energy into the venture,” one of the Directors of the company Willie van der Schyf told The Citizen.

“This has been a very difficult and emotional decision and we are extremely sad to say goodbye. After eight beautiful years with you, our doors will officially close on Saturday November 4th 2023,” read the statement by the venue on Thursday.

ABE is at the epicentre of music and lifestyle revolution of the capital city and the home of Tshwanefontein, The Breakfast Club, Trancemicsoul Sessions and Black Lobone.

The venue has hosted multiple local and international artists including Atjazz from the UK, France’s Rocco Rodamaal, Benjamin Dube, Black Motion, Moonchild Sanelly, Nadia Nakai, Riky Rick, Rouge, and many more. The venue can accommodate up to 900 guests in its multiple spaces.

ABE is the brainchild of the creators of Capital Craft and Park Acoustics and the venue was the spearhead of the 012 Central initiative, which aims to bring the inner city back to life.

ALSO READ: Black Labone: Pretoria’s abode for artists celebrates six years

Black Labone

Black Labone is an art movement from Pretoria hosted every Thursday at ABE. It celebrated its sixth anniversary in August at the venue, and the event was well attended. ABE has been home to Black Labone every single Thursday since 2018.

After the statement from ABE, Black Labone also confirmed that it’s looking for a new venue in a statement. The 26th of October will see the last Black Labone at ABE.

“As a search for a new venue begins, we remain committed to contributing to the growing art scene in Pretoria and beyond the city. We promise to fight the good fight behind the scenes so we can all gather again soon to continue showing up and showing love to this creative community,” read the statement.

Reactions

“May we please have one more session, a closing session. You cannot make us come to church, receive the holy spirit, then death. The pastors, bishops and congregation are being informed like this … Noooo,” said Tebogo Maloa on Facebook.

“Me and Erika Ferreira had our wedding there in 2018. People are still speaking about how fun it was, how cool the venue was and how amazing the food was. Goeie tye! Dankie julle,” wrote Michael Ferreira on Instagram.

While Gabriel Blvck Deeme commented on Facebook saying, “The journey has been so great and we’ll also miss you, Black Labone will be one of my most missed events ey.”

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