The New Bridge House

[Little T]

After many many months of planning applications and sheer determination, and the kind blessing of Terry Murphy we can finally announce that The New Bridge House (or BH2 for short)  live music venue will open it's doors for the first time on Friday 21st December 2007.

A grand opening night of Thursday 10th January 2008 has been arranged with Bridge House legends "RDB" headlining with up and coming "Joan ov Arc" in support.  We are hopeful of some media presence on the night also to help give some profile to the evening , and the venue.  Tickets can be purchased online, and more info can be found at www.bh2live.com

The venue itself is based around 500 metres behind where the original venue was in Bidder Street which is an industrial area.  This brings with it a couple of benefits as there are no residents to complain about live music, and also at night the place is like a ghost town so it is no lie to say that 100 or more cars could be parked without causing any offence to residents or the businesses in the street.

On the down side it is a bit rough looking, but in my mind it all adds up to give a real East End feel which can only be a good thing.

Inside the place is tastefully decorated in the best colours (Claret and Blue) and claret and black where appropriate.  There is a "Wharfdale" 2k rig in place and some very special lighting effects on the stage area.

We realise that we have a lot to live up to and are prepared to give it our all to make the place a success as the brand name of the Bridge house E16 and Terry Murphy fully deserve.

I would like to go on record to thank Terry Murphy and Dennis Stratton for their help with putting this whole project into effect.

Rock on

Tony Nicholls & Tony Cook

[TerryMurphy]

Hi Tony I would like to wish you well wiith this new venture I am sure it will be a big success's Bridge house followers are very Loyal people.and you have chosen the Bridge house favourite band for the opening night Remus.Down.Boulevard.The only problem i see for you on the opening night is were are going to house the following..that will turn up,when i launch my book The Bridge House Canning town at the working club East Ham.there must have been almost 500 ex bridges,there.So if you are selling tickets i would suggest you book Remus a few more times close to the opening date.
I opened your web page very well done it covers everthing that the customers wish to know,I look forward to being there on the big night.and I am hoping BBC Radio 4 will be there to cover it,as they discuse my book with me,And wold you mind if i fetch some books along for the bridges, who have not bought it yet  or need theres signed.
lets keep in touch..and once again good luck.Regards Terry Murphy

[Little T]

Thanks for the good wishes Terry we just hope we can come somewhere near to carrying on the legend that you created.

The numbers on the night may be a problem as we can only hold 100 people and on the opening night we will limit this to 80 so that it is a comfortable night for all.

I did mention to Dennis that there may be a bigger demand than our capacity and have put him on alert for more dates, i guess it's a "watch this space" situation at present.

It might be worth mentioning Joan ov Arc a bit more also as they are a fantastic act that i am sure Bridge House followers will warm to, and want to see again.

To give you an update on the progress of the refurbishment work that's going on: The first phase of the re-wire is now complete and the ceilings a going up as we i write.  The stage lighting will be completed this coming weekend, which leaves decorating, carpets and other flooring, and of course the beer pumps to be put in.  At present we are on track, our only concern may be with the signage out the front but hopefully that will be done in time also.

As to you selling your book on the night, you don't have to ask.  It is a privelidge to have you come here "you are very welcome".

Will speak to you soon with a further update.

Kind regards

Tony

[Dell]

Hey Tony
Way to go! Brilliant idea - and about time too.
wishing you fantastic success

Dell

[Little T]

Thanks Dell

Tony

[Stevo]

This is the best news I've heard in ages! Let me be one of the first to wish you all the very best of luck in this venture and it would be fantastic if at least some of the spirit from the old place could somehow be rekindled after all these yars!!!!
Can you please let us know the exact location, as all we know is that it is 500 yards from the origial BH

Regards

[Nels]

I would like to wish you all the very best and success for your venture.

Are you opening 7 days a week or just when you have bands ?

[Little T]

Hi

Thanks for your replies.  The New venue is situatued in Bidder Street which is off of Stephensons street.  The post code is E16 4ST that might help you locate it easier on a map.

With regards to opening times etc.  We plan to open at 1600 - 2330 mon to Thurs
1300 - 0230 Fri - Sun.  It will take time to get bands lined up for every night of the week, but our intention is to have live music 7 nights per week as the original Bridge House did.

Thanks

Tony

[TomG]

As a homage to the pre Terry days will you also have evenings of high culture with ladies taking their clothes off, or putting them on, as in the fifties (See my posts on this under the heading "The Fifties")?

[Little T]

Hi Tom

Thanks for the information with regards to the bridge house pre Terry Murphy era.  I am afraid we are only looking for good old fashioned live rock and roll, or just good live music.  Not sure my heart could take lap dancing and the kind.


I thought that only such things happenend in the "Iron Bridge Tavern" and The Steam Ship".  Im learning all the time!.

Cheers

Tony

[TomG]

Tony

I am beginning to think I am the only person who remembers the 'good old days' at the Bridge.  In my blogs entitled The Fifties I posted a few memories and there is a photo taken by Lord Snowden which was published in The Times.  Unfortunately no one has really come forward to add to those memories.  And I wasn't suggesting lap dancing, just good old fashioned stripping (and dressing).

TomG - Old but still boasting a good memory of the 50s.

[TerryMurphy]

well Tom it seems you and I are the only ones who remember the good old days,it was great to be young,
so lets have some of your stories,edited of course.T/M

[Nels]

How did the first night go ?

[Little T]

It worked out quite well.  Manic at times due to a late beer delivery, but we learned a lot.

Last night (27/12/07) we had our first live band play "The secret Members"  the lights and sound were fantastic it really is shaping up to look a really nice live music venue.

On Saturday (29) we have a big day of live football, and then later on a local live band called "Mickey P and the 45's" (Funky/Rock)

Just a reminder to anyone who may be interested.  We will be opening on New Years Eve to anyone who would like to join us.  We are not sure at the moment whether or not we will have live entertainment, but at the very least it will be party mood to see the venue into the new year.

Best wishes to all and a happy new year from all involved in the The New Bridge House.

[Nels]

Happy New Year to Terry and all ex BH'ers and Good Luck to those involved in the new era of the Bridge House