Closed music venue to become new shisha cafe

Plans to convert a former independent music venue in Leicester into a shisha cafe and restaurant have been granted planning permission.

Leicester City Council has approved an application from Saqib Kataria to convert The Shed in Yeoman Street into a venue called Saracens.

The Shed - which hosted shows by acts including Kasabian, Arctic Monkeys and Ellie Goulding during its 31-year history - closed after a final New Year's Eve party on 31 December.

A report submitted with the planning application said the new shisha cafe would offer an "inclusive environment", contribute to the local economy and support growing demand for diverse social spaces in Leicester's city centre.

In a Facebook post, the owners of The Shed previously said "every possible avenue" had been explored to keep the venue open and secure its future.

"Our team, management, and staff have all worked tirelessly, both publicly and behind the scenes, to help keep The Shed operating," the post said.

"Despite these sustained efforts, we have reached a point where continuing is no longer viable.

"While this is an incredibly hard announcement to make, we would like to place the emphasis on what The Shed has represented over the past three decades.

"For 31 years it has been a space for live music, creativity and community."

The post added everyone involved with the venue was "immensely proud of the history built within these walls and grateful to everyone who has been part of it."

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