09/10/2024
The KitCat Club was a renowned 80’s London club night which gained fame for its unique atmosphere and eclectic mix of music featuring Retro, Alternative, Goth Rock, Punk, NewWave and Electronica. Its creator Simon Hobart named the night after the club in Cabaret.
Simon Hobart opened the first KitCat club night in February 1984. Opening at Studio One on Oxford Street, it then moved to a converted warehouse known as the Pleasure Dive in Westbourne Grove, where it became London's premier goth hangout, providing a more glamorous and tongue-in-cheek alternative to its more po-faced rival, the Batcave in Soho.
The KitCat gave Simon his first taste of notoriety when in January 1985, it landed him on the front page of the Sun. Police had raided the club for drugs and arrested Simon, a photographer snapping "the godfather of goth" as he was led away - he was just 21 at the time.
The raid had a profound effect on Simon and he decided to move the night to a more central location midweek at the Comedy Store in Leicester Square, then eventually residing at the Soundshaft venue which was part of Heaven nightclub.
Simon sadly passed away on Oct 23rd 2005 but the Kitcat Club remains fondly remembered still by those who experienced its heyday, and it continues to hold a special place in the memories of London nightlife enthusiasts.
Simon Hobart, club promoter and DJ, born September 29 1964; died October 23 2005.
