The people running the venue want to bring ‘something exciting’ to Liverpool’s nightlife scene
Antony Armstrong, owner of Rubell’s, with promoters Nathan Fowell (left) and Callum Llewellyn
The owner of a new Liverpool nightclub says the venue is thriving despite the multiple obstacles thrown in its path. Antony Armstrong is the owner of Rubell’s on Seel Street in the city centre.
The 33-year-old DJ from Speke has opened the club along with promoters Nathan Fowell and Callum Llewellyn. It’s an underground space that can be found underneath Overgrown bar. Antony was given the chance to open it up via a friend who owns the building. Having his own venue has always been an ambition but creating a new club came with many challenges.
In the last five years, around 400 clubs have closed in Britain due to a perfect storm of covid, a cost of living crisis, surging running costs and more younger people opting for sobriety. In late 2023, the ECHO spoke to many club and bar owners worried for their future.
Antony has witnessed this period firsthand. He said: “I’ve been DJ’ing myself for about 17 years in the city. Having something of my own has always been the end goal.
“It was hard to think what to come up with because I think they’ve tried a few different things before in that space but it’s never worked.
“It was a big, massive risk. Working in the industry myself, I’ve seen so many clubs, venues, even restaurants just disappearing. It is devastating.”
Rubell’s on Seel Street
Nevertheless, Antony believes their concept stands out among the competition. It is named after Steve Rubell, who owned legendary New York nightclub Studio 54 in the 1970s.
Antony said: “It was one of the first disco clubs. I think we’ve hit the nail on the head with where we want to go. It’s something that’s needed in the city.
“It’s different, it’s quirky. It’s not like some of the nightclubs where you’ve got a super-duper set-up. It’s underground, similar to Studio 54, with a disco feel.”
The challenges for the bar continued right up to the eve of its opening night on July 12. Antony said: “We’ve definitely had a bit of a nightmare.
“About four days before we were opening we had a big, massive flood from the venue above us. It took us back to square one. Everything was wrecked, the toilets caved in and everything. Then the air-con broke the night before.
“But we got it back and ready for the opening night. Thankfully we’ve got an amazing team behind us. Everybody wants to work for the same goal. We want to bring something exciting to Liverpool.”
Antony Armstrong with promoters Nathan Fowell and Callum Llewellyn
Antony feels the first few weeks have been a success, with hundreds of people coming through the door. He said: “The opening night was amazing. The DJs have been brilliant. We’ve had so much good feedback. I think the capacity is about 350 and we’re pulling in some good numbers at the minute. Last weekend was our first full weekend.
“But obviously with the current climate, plus a lot of people are away on holiday, you’ve got to keep it fresh and keep different DJs coming through the door.
“Nathan and Callum run their own events called For The Record and they’ve pulled in their crowd. They’ve taken my vision a lot further. People are coming in for that style of music – disco, house, funk and soul. I think you can’t really go wrong with it.
“I think it’s the perfect location because you’ve got a lot of other venues along this street and they’re absolutely thriving as well. We offer something different, so it’s all working out perfectly up to now, fingers crossed.”
Antony felt that being at Rubell’s on opening night marked a special milestone for him. He said: “It was amazing. I’ve always been known as a DJ in the city, but I’ve obviously had to take a step back and focus on the role of being a club owner.
“It’s nice to see new talent come in. It’s like a breath of fresh air, seeing these young lads come in and bringing their own vibe.
“I’m really enjoying it. The stresses, the highs and the lows, it’s all part of the journey. Hopefully, we’ll be part of clubbing history in the city one day.
“I just appreciate everyone coming down and showing their support in the current climate. Clubbing isn’t dead yet.”
Rubell’s is open every Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 5pm.