More about: The 100 Club

The iconic 100 Club on London's Oxford Street has been "permanently saved" by a 100% Business Rates Relief pledge made this morning by Westminster Council. Thanks to the combined efforts of club owner Jeff Horton, Night Czar Amy Lamé and the Music Venue Trust, the nighttime venue no longer risks closure.

The news was broken at a press conference this morning, attended by music and local press as well as other London venue owners. It's the first grassroots music venue to be granted the relief, and the council hope that the unprecedented decision will soon apply to other venues in the capital and around the country. It follows reports earlier this week that hundreds of similar venues across the country will receive a 50% business tax slash. 

"It's been more thin than thick over the last ten years" Horton said in a speech this morning, referring to the "huge imposition of tax" previously expected of the venue. Support over recent years has come from clothing brand Fred Perry, who will continue to work closely with The 100 Club. 

"We're not a jazz club, we're not a punk club, we're a music venue" Horton continued, rousing cheers in the audience, and an appreciative smile from Lamé, who praised the work of the local council in stemming the flow of grassroots venue closures. 35% of London's grassroots venues have closed over the last decade, the Night Czar said. Read more about what the mayor's office are doing to help save London's nightlife here.

To celebrate Independent Venues Week, we asked Horton to replay his favourite 100 Club gig moments. Read about them here. 

More about: The 100 Club