The Underground, Bradford, to have new bar in makeover

The Underground, in Duke Street, has hosted a range of music acts since it opened in 2016, but now it has expanded.

The original downstairs Underground bar, which can host up to 350 people, has been given a makeover.

A look inside The Underground/Platform Bar ahead of its relaunch (Image: Nigel Booth)

The work also includes a new venue, The Platform Bar, at street level in the same complex. This more intimate site will have space for up to 40 people and is being billed as a performance venue for more up-and-coming bands and artists to perform. It will also be a place for bands to sells their tickets and merchandise.

The new-look Underground and The Platform bars will be re-launched at a special event which will take place from 5pm on Friday, March 31.

Nigel Booth, owner of The Underground, says the re-launch marks an exciting time for his site following the struggles for live venues during the pandemic.

He added it shows that Bradford is thriving as a live music venue and gives a boost to the city’s night-time economy.

Mr Booth said: “The Underground has been given a facelift.

“It’s going to be really good. We will have a new bar at street level. The Platform will be a pre-gig base too. We have some amazing gigs coming up.

“For the venue itself, it’s really exciting at the moment.

“The work is still being completed, but it will be ready for our relaunch on March 31.

A look inside the new Platform Bar, which is part of The Underground complex (Image: Nigel Booth)

“It is called the Platform Bar because we want it to be a platform for up-and-coming bands to help them make it.

“It’s all original music here, we don’t have cover bands. We try and support up-and-coming artists.

“I nearly shut it down over Covid, as it was a struggle. But a lot of pieces in the jigsaw are slotting into place for us.

“We should be shouting from the hilltops for what we have got in Bradford. There is a little bit of a buzz about where we are going in the future and the night-time economy in Bradford.

“I don’t think people realise what exciting stuff is going on in Bradford.”

The Underground played host to The Twang in September last year.

The Birmingham group, famous for hits such as 'Either Way' and 'Wide Awake', played the Bradford bar as part of Music Venue Trust and The National Lottery's Revive Live tour.