After 30 years of being open to the public, the Merlin nightclub in Poblenou (Carrer de Àvila, 142) closes. Today, Saturday, January 14, 2023, will be the last session, thus ending its history as a discotheque.
The owners thanked through their social networks all the generations that filled the dance floor over the years and during the early mornings amidst its medieval aesthetics.
The nightclub opened its doors on May 15, 1992 and is now closing its doors at the beginning of 2023.
Merlin nightclub in Poblenou closes down
And the closure comes after the legendary venue failed to renew the lease on its Barcelona venue. The mythical Merlin hall disappears to make way for the construction of rental housing.
In the communiqué given to the public, the discotheque informed that they “fought to the end” and therefore, the last dance will be on January 14.
Since it was not possible to renew the lease of the premises, which had been achieved on two previous occasions, their operating license was withdrawn and they were forced to close.
With this, the property of the establishment will remain in the hands of an investment fund and 10% will be destined to the Barcelona City Council for the construction of subsidized rental apartments.
Razzmatazz
The nightclub confirmed that the closure has not been voluntary. We were unable to continue because we were unable to renew the lease.
The new owners of the venue now have new plans, which is why they refused to renew the contract, the discotheque said.
It was very hard and difficult news for the three partners who have been in the business for three decades.
The discotheque’s past
They are three friends who came to Barcelona from Palencia, from Aguilar de Campoo, and soon after they set up a discotheque in Poblenou.
They claim that they arrived in their 30s and are now in their 60s and without an alternative to continue with the business.
The closure of Merlin as of January, a nightclub set in a medieval castle, is seen as the loss of one of the city’s emblems.
It has been one of the discotheques that during its 30 years of operation managed to welcome more than two million customers.
In fact, the owners state that “they close with a full house, with queues of customers and with their heads held high. All thanks to all of you who have made it possible for our original dream of seeing them happy and enjoying yourselves to be fulfilled completely and more than fulfilled”.
The owners of Merlin say that they will not open another nightclub, because the City Council does not grant opening licenses for nightlife in the Poblenou area of Barcelona.
