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The Legacy & The Future

NOT JUST ANOTHER PUB.

NEWPORT DOESN'T NEED ANOTHER CORPORATE CHAIN BAR. IT DOESN'T NEED ANOTHER SOULLESS VENUE DRIVEN BY PROFIT MARGINS IN LONDON. IT NEEDS A BEATING HEART.

This city has always punched above its weight. It’s the city that gave the world Skindred, Goldie Lookin Chain, and legendary, sweaty nights at TJ's. But recently, grassroots venues have fought just to stay alive, and that 500-capacity, stadium-style gig experience in the heart of town has been missing since The Riverfront days. We are here to change that.

Historic Pub
1863
The Foundation

The Queens Hotel

Built during Newport's industrial boom, the building on Bridge Street originally opened its doors as The Queen's Hotel. A grand Victorian establishment, it served merchants, sailors, and travelers arriving at the nearby railway station, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the city's early architecture and social life.

1990s
The Chain Era

The Wetherspoons Shift

As the UK hospitality industry shifted toward conglomerates, the building transformed into a Wetherspoons. The carpets were heavily patterned, the pints were cheap, and for over a decade, it served as the obligatory meeting point for almost everyone in Newport before heading out into the city's vibrant club scene.

Pub Bar
Club Crowd
2000s
The Chaos

The Walkabout Years

The building then entered its most chaotic phase as Walkabout. Defined by Australian flags, massive projector screens, sticky floors, and legendary weekend nightlife, it saw tens of thousands of locals through its doors during Newport's clubbing peak. But as the era ended, the building sat waiting for its true purpose.

2026
The Revival

The Academy Begins

We stripped it back to the original 1863 brickwork. Queens Academy is a 500-capacity, fully independent music hub. No corporate overlords. Just music lovers running a room for music lovers. With a full-scale stage, stadium-grade sound system, and immersive lighting, we are putting Newport back on the UK touring map.

Live Concert Stage

BE PART OF THE NOISE.

Whether you're a promoter looking to book a tour, or a fan looking for your next favorite band, the doors are open.

SEE WHAT'S ON