Iconic Plymouth social venue announces closure after two decades serving the Barbican

A long-running food and drink venue at Plymouth’s Barbican is set to close at the end of March, ending more than 20 years as a social and cultural meeting place.

The B-Bar, which operates as a separate business within Barbican Theatre, confirmed the closure in a social media post. 

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The team said they will be moving on to new projects after two decades running the bar and food operation.

In the post, the B-Bar team paid tribute to co-founder Foz, who died in 2023, describing him as central to the venue’s identity. 

They said the decision to close was made with pride in what had been created, rather than sadness.

Over the years, the B-Bar has served theatre audiences, local residents and visitors, and has hosted informal live activity including open mic nights, acoustic music, comedy and community events. 

The venue also ran the noodle bar, which will close as part of the B-Bar operation.

Barbican Theatre has confirmed that the theatre itself is not closing and will continue to run performances and events as normal.

In a statement, the theatre said it will bring the bar operation in-house from April as part of a planned transition. 

A spokesperson said the change would allow the theatre to manage the space directly while continuing to offer drinks before and after performances.

“The theatre isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the warm welcome,” the statement said. 

“Our commitment to accessibility, hospitality and supporting audiences and artists remains the same.”

The theatre also clarified that food will no longer be available in the bar once the B-Bar closes, but that further details about the new bar offer will be shared in due course.

News of the closure prompted a strong reaction online, with many people sharing memories of social gatherings, performances and community events connected to the B-Bar. 

One local commented: “It feels like a real loss for Plymouth, especially at a time when small cultural spaces are disappearing. At the same time, there’s a sense that what was created there is worth celebrating.”

Another added: “For many people it really does feel like the end of an era. The B-Bar was always there, for music, food, or just meeting friends, and it’s hard to imagine the Barbican without it.”

The B-Bar team said they hope customers will join them to mark the venue’s final weeks before closing at the end of March.