Dundee’s award winning music venue The Doghouse has shut its doors, amid claims of mounting debts.
The Doghouse has become one of Scotland’s top venues in recent times, hosting recent shows by Cage The Elephant, The Dodos and more. The venue was transformed from an empty shell into a vibrant operation by owner Sarah Hill, with The Doghouse winning multiple awards with its eclectic booking policy and commitment to up and coming acts.
The venue reached national prominence courtesy of local group The View. Back when the band were a struggling unsigned act, fresh from school, The Doghouse allowed the band to rehearse in a spare room.
The band have played many secret shows there and have remained close to the staff. A collage for their Top 3 single ‘Same Jeans’ included a flyer from one of their dates at The Doghouse.
The venue was shut by administrators Begbies Traynor, who immediately changed the locks. The Doghouse has continued to act as a successful rehearsal room, with local groups forced to hurriedly retrieve their equipment.
Speaking to The Courier newspaper, a council spokesman said, “Dundee City Council was granted a sequestration order against the publican at the Doghouse at Dundee Sheriff Court on February 17.
“More than £10,000 of unpaid non-domestic rates are currently owed to the council.”
Owners dispute these claims, arguing that the levels of debt are much lower than when they came into possession of the venue.
