Staff have organised a "farewell party" at the Dungeon in Southampton - but its owners insist it will reopen

The Dungeon and Xcalibar has been closed with no clear idea of when it may reopen.

The exact fate of the nightclub, based in Bevois Valley Road, remains unclear after staff started to organise a ‘farewell party’.

While pub bosses have insisted that the club will re-open and the temporary closure is because a landlord is ill, head barmaid Nicola Rooney took to social media to create a public event calling on former staff and loyal regulars to say goodbye to the venue.

She posted on Facebook to say that “the rumours were true”.

She said: “There is no more Dungeon and there was no farewell party either. The staff were issued their p45’s and suddenly realised the end was nigh.

“For all the staff that worked with me, their first drink will be donated by me, I know its not much but we at least deserve a night to go out and say our thank-you’s and goodbyes.

“Invite everyone you know who loved our company because it was us that made that place work. Let’s celebrate our marching orders and start a new life.”

So far the event has attracted more than 100 people confirming they will be going to the farewell party and many have commented on the event. sharing their memories.

Landlords Sue Rossiter and Tony Court celebrated 25 years owning the venue in 2014 after the couple quit their jobs as postal workers to take on The Dungeon, which was originally known as the Crown and Sceptre, in 1989.

Ms Rossiter has posted on the Facebook event page: “I’ll be there and it will be good to catch up with as many old friends as possible.”

Admiral Taverns owns the Dungeon, fondly known by regulars as ‘the Dinge,’ and a spokesperson said the club would reopen.

They said: “The Dungeon has been closed temporarily as the licensee is not well and it will reopen in the very near future. Tony looks forward to welcoming both staff and customers back very shortly.”

It comes after a string of announcements on the club Facebook page since the beginning of the year, suggesting refurbishments were taking place.

The most recent post was on January 20 and said: “Due to some unforeseen technical difficulties whilst undergoing refurbishment to the club we are unable to open this week.

"Many apologies to everyone that planned on joining us, we will keep you posted on when we will re-open. Thanks for the support.”

When approached by the Daily Echo, Mr Court declined to comment but said the club would reopen.