Dundee’s legendary record shop Groucho’s could be transformed into a live music pub, almost three years after its closure.
The store holds a special place in the hearts of Dundonians, who were devastated by its closure in February 2020 shortly after the death of owner Alastair ‘Breeks’ Brodie.
Last year, a bid was made by the building’s owner to turn the Nethergate unit into a restaurant but the plans were withdrawn.
Dundee drinks firm JF Kegs has now lodged a planning application to turn Groucho’s into a music-themed bar, calling it “the perfect place for a live music venue”.
Jimmy Fyffe, owner of JF Kegs, says he wants to preserve links to Groucho’s in the new venture.
He said: “I really want to keep the Groucho’s name tied in somehow into the business we’re proposing.
“That’s why we’ve now approached the family to find most appropriate way of incorporating the Groucho’s name or its history into our plans for the music bar.
“That would be fitting given the institution that Groucho’s was.”
Work on bar at Groucho’s to start as soon as possible
Despite the application only being lodged this month, Mr Fyffe is hopeful the bar could be open as early as spring.
The Dundee United shareholder and racehorse owner said: “I see the location as the perfect place for a live music venue and if we are granted permission would be looking to start work immediately.
“The plan is to bring the interior up to a really high standard which would take about three months.
“If we can achieve that then the plan would be to open in spring 2023.”
Plans for the ground floor of the B-listed building include a bar and seating area, as well as extending the existing mezzanine floor to create a stage area for live bands.
However, a design statement submitted with the application says the development would require only “minor physical changes” which “would not impact the historic features of the property”.
It is also proposed the exterior of the building be painted black to match adjoining properties.
It adds: “It is intended the proposed public house is music themed with occasional live bands paying homage to the previous use as Groucho’s music store, Dundee institution.”
Groucho’s was established in 1976 by the late Alastair Brodie, who died in 2019.
It boasted a famous clientele and attracted record collectors from far and wide.
Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr hailed it as one the best two shops of its kind in the UK.
Other famous customers included comedian Lenny Henry, legendary Fleetwood Mac guitarist Peter Green and The View singer Kyle Falconer.
Broadcaster and writer Stuart Cosgrove said Groucho’s was one of the best shops of its kind in Scotland, describing it as a “rite of passage” for music-lovers in Tayside.
Last month hundreds of items owned by the shop’s owner were sold at auction.
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