A DJ who has spent more than 15 years working in clubs in Hull is set to relight the atmosphere at the Blue Lamp nightspot. Andrew Coe, known by many as Andy Yoyo, was offered the club in Norfolk Street after it was bought by two businessmen for about £70,000.
They had not planned to open the venue as an indie rock club, until they realised how much fans wanted to see it return. Now, Andy has struck a deal with the pair, who wish to remain nameless, and the venue is undergoing a £20,000 refurbishment ahead of its grand opening on Friday, September 27.
Known in recent years at The Lamp, the bar has now been rechristened under its historic name Blue Lamp, making reference to its police station past. More than 120 people have already applied for jobs at the venue.
Andy, 41, said: "I have a long relationship with the club having worked upstairs in the past doing marketing. I had my wedding party here and celebrated my daughter's first birthday at the club.
"When I got the call it didn't take me long to decide. I think I'm the right man for the job and everyone is working hard to get it ready on time."
The venue has been empty since June last year and has been run by a number of people over the years. But Andy reckons there is now a gap in the market for Blue Lamp and it will complement what is going on in other areas of the city.
"This could be vital to our City of Culture bid and the response has been amazing," he said. "My phone hasn't stopped ringing and we already have more than 1,500 'likes' on the Facebook page.
"We are planning to hire about 15 people to work as bar staff, street team, sound guys and managers. I can't believe the amount of CVs we've received already."
He said the club's revamp will include an extended stage, professional lighting, new toilets and a first-class sound system. There will be free entry to the front bar for locals and people wanting to drink before heading to Welly in Beverley Road. Those wanting to make a night of at the venue will then be able to pay on the door at the main club room.
Andy said: "We want welcome the indie alternative crowd and local people and turn it into a real melting pot of culture. There will be a mix of theatre, acoustic nights, poetry readings along with drum and bass events and gigs."
Andy has also been given permission by Hull graffiti artist Pinky to use the Lamp's famous owl mural for the club's signs and promotional leaflets.
"Everyone recognises the owl from coming to the club and we will be keeping the original one in the venue," he said. "The comic wall is also still here and the refurbishment is already looking great."
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
