A Margate nightclub has closed down after ‘spending considerable resources’ to keep operating but finding it ‘no longer financially viable.’
POWER, based at the former Crybaby jazz bar venue in The Centre was opened by boss Lexi Mac in May last year and aimed to showcase isle talent as well as featuring grime, rap and garage nights. Other events included an after-school family club.
But the venue shut its doors at the end of last year. Bailiff notices are displayed at the property although Lexi says the business was not closed by force.
Lexi said: “POWER closed on 31st December 2025. We were not closed down by bailiffs.
“We made the difficult decision to cease trading after exhausting every possible avenue to continue operating. During our time at the venue, we faced stringent licensing conditions linked to the address prior to our tenancy, alongside a long, costly and repetitive planning application process.
“We invested significant sums in council-requested noise testing, professional reports and formal applications in an effort to meet all required standards. Despite this, the location was ultimately determined to be unsuitable for continued use as a nightclub.
“After spending considerable resources attempting to resolve matters, we reached a point where continuing was no longer financially viable.
“Operating POWER was an honour. We hosted incredible artists, unforgettable events, and created memories that will stay with us forever.
“We would like to sincerely thank our loyal customers, performers, DJs, security teams and the local police for their professionalism and support throughout our time in Margate.
“The community around POWER was something very special focusing on equality and safety above all.
“This chapter has closed. But POWER isn’t finished. We will be back.”
Planning documents on Thanet council’s website show that Environmental Health had advised refusal for an application for extended opening hours due to the “building not (being) suitable at containing typical entertainment noise levels of around 95dB.”
A decision on that application was never made.
Notices at the business show Evolve, owner of The Centre, has ‘re-entered’ the property whilst a second notice shows goods from inside the building will be disposed of if not collected.
Lexi says the Power Connect CIC will continue to run and they would love to reopen in Margate, dependent on finding the right location with operation use confirmed first.
Thought from the ghastly eyesore frontage it was a modern ‘art hub’/1990’s rave culture tribute/freeform expression place.
Yobs have already sprayed graffiti all over it!
That was probably the ‘artists’ who did the Arlington area.
https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2025/11/22/graffiti-artists-create-new-works-at-arlington-house-hoardings/
Graffiti artists come in many forms.
https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2020/06/29/former-councillor-admits-spraying-anti-racism-graffiti-in-ramsgate-and-broadstairs-and-dickens-fellowship-react-to-vandalism-to/
I am wrong but wasn’t this another crowd funding business
You are always wrong
Always?
Wrong, family ran business.
They say it wasn’t closed by bailiffs, but the letters posted on the walls of the site state that the baliffs took possession of the building, and they had 2 weeks to remove their equipment under direct supervision of landlord and bailiffs. If they didn’t they will remove and sell it all at auction then bill them for it.
Is Freeform a new Nigel Party ?