Wellington’s Underworld Tavern Closes Amid Tough Market Conditions

A notable live music venue in Wellington, the Underworld Tavern, has officially closed its doors, attributing its decision to a challenging market environment and the conclusion of its lease. The tavern, located in Mt Victoria, marked its final day of operation on Friday, following a vibrant history of hosting live music events primarily in the Nu Metal and Pop Punk genres.

Sophia Dainty, co-owner of the venue alongside her partner, Matt Dainty, indicated that the timing felt right to end operations as their lease reached its term. “It’s just a really tough market for Wellington. At the moment, our lease came to an end, and we got to the point where we were not able to renew it. So we had to call it,” she stated.

Impact of the Closure on Wellington’s Hospitality Scene

The closure of Underworld Tavern is part of a broader trend affecting the hospitality landscape in Wellington. In recent months, the city has seen the shuttering of several establishments, including Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe, which is set to close by the end of March 2023, along with venues like Spruce Goose and Chocolate Fish Cafe.

Sophia noted that the hospitality scene in Wellington has been struggling since significant public service cuts were implemented last year. “We got to a point with the bar where I could see things were taking a bit of a turn in Wellington,” she explained. The changes in government and subsequent job losses had immediate repercussions for local businesses, impacting foot traffic and patronage.

The tavern’s final events featured a “War On Emo” gig on its last Friday, followed by a farewell gathering the next day. Sophia described the final performances as a celebration, stating, “It was a great show of love and support from the community, which is really why we set out to do this bar in the first place.”

A Legacy of Community and Music

Originally opened as Boneface Tavern in 2022, the venue was established as a taproom for Matt’s brewery, Boneface Brewing Co.. After the brewery entered liquidation, the venue transitioned into Underworld Tavern, continuing to serve as a hub for live music enthusiasts.

Sophia and Matt’s passion for the arts and their commitment to Wellington’s creative community were at the heart of their venture. “There is a really thriving creative scene in Wellington, and we wanted to appeal to people who were like-minded to us,” Sophia remarked.

Although both owners have jobs outside the hospitality sector, they expressed a desire to remain involved in Wellington’s events and music scene in the future. “I’ve already started thinking about ideas with Matt that we can do, and ways that we can be involved,” she said. Despite the emotional toll of the closure, she is optimistic about returning to the community when the time is right.

The closure of Underworld Tavern marks a significant moment in Wellington’s cultural landscape, highlighting the challenges faced by local businesses in the current economic climate. As the city navigates these difficulties, the resilience and creativity of its community remain a source of hope for future endeavors.