News / fire

Serious fire at city centre nightclub

By Martin Booth  Tuesday Jul 13, 2021

Just days before it was due to reopen, a fire has broken out at one of Bristol’s most famous nightclubs.

Fire crews from as far away as Portishead and Nailsea attended the fire at SWX on Nelson Street which has previously also been known as Syndicate, The Works and Odyssey.

Firefighters could also be seen soon after 7am on Tuesday morning inside Cafe Amore which is next door to the venue.

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At 5.45am, Avon Fire & Rescue Service tweeted: “We’re currently responding to a fire in a building on Nelson Street, Bristol after receiving calls via our @AFRSControl. Crews from @AFRSTemple @AFRSBedminster @AFRSSouthmead @AFRSPatchway @AFRSAvonmouth @AFRSHicksGate are in attendance. We’re joined at the incident by @ASPolice”

At 6.14am, they tweeted: “As the incident remains ongoing we are urging all public and local transport to avoid the area. Many thanks for your cooperation at this time.”

Crews from more than half a dozen stations attended the fire – photo: Martin Booth

The 1,800-capacity venue is one of the largest in Bristol and was once known as the city’s “superclub”.

SWX’s reopening party was due to take place on July 19, promising brand new VIP booths and to be” the biggest, and best event we have ever held”.

“We’re not holding back on this one, state of the art production, confetti cannons, lasers, fireworks and so much more!”

A police officer stands guard outside the cordon on Nelson Street – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo & video: Martin Booth

Read more: Police officer describes moment van he was driving was set on fire

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