The Piper at Five
ROSIE McDONAGH
For many years the Norman Arms pub in the heart of St Leonards was a boarded-up shell, steel shutters on its windows, with its arts and crafts interior rotting and a roof full of pigeons. Now the wood panels are polished and warm, the pigeons’ nests have been replaced by a state-of-the-art sound system, and the place is thriving. And this month, The Piper celebrates its fifth birthday.
Opening a venue in St Leonards was never the plan for owner Chris Barnett. He says, “I moved here to semi-retire, and just to re-release the odd classic record on vinyl. However, I didn’t want to see another neighbourhood scorched, and a beautiful building at the centre of the community flattened. Instead, we wanted to bring life and vibrance to this fantastic corner of town, to create jobs and bring an array of musicians and comedians that would appeal to all our community.”
Renovating a venue isn’t without its pitfalls. It took well over a year to rewire, replumb and upgrade the building, and get through the administrative complexity of building regulations. Since opening, however, the club has played host to a stellar range of talent. Norman Jay, Saint Etienne, Don Letts and Kevin Rowland have all stepped up to the record decks, while live bands including British Sea Power, Nightbeats, The Bug Club, Steve Mason, Bo Ningen and Horace Andy have graced its stage.
The venue has also become a key stepping stone for local acts headed for the stratosphere. Fast-rising trio Hot Wax have played upstairs countless times, local rising stars Snayx, Wytch Pycknyck and Bad Pedestrian still make regular appearances, and it’s the venue of choice for Kid Kapichi (for example) to host secret, intimate home town shows.
To celebrate half a decade in this rapidly changing area, The Piper is holding a party with some very special guests. During June and July, head to the venue to see artists including reggae royalty Julian Marley, soul legend P.P. Arnold, London punk stars Big Joanie, rising stars Monakis, and hip-hop innovator DJ Yoda. Plus, of course, a clutch of Kid Kapichi shows.
But for Chris, it’s not the big names that really matter, it’s the support of the town and surrounding areas. “The energy and positivity of the local community and other local businesses is for us, truly unparalleled. I feel immensely proud when I hear that, for example, women or members of the LGBT community feel safe coming to The Piper alone. And, despite the problems they’ve faced themselves, the council has been incredibly helpful and supportive.”
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