BAR TWENTY ONE STORY

Our entrepreneurial journey began over two decades ago when co-founders, DJ’s Garfie and Neilos, first met through a shared passion for DJ’ing in the East of England. They both had a particular love for old skool music, and over the past 10 years, they have specialised in playing these nostalgic tunes in DJ sets. They were both working at a popular local venue that was always bustling with activity, especially on the weekends. However, when the management decided to stop having DJs, the crowds dwindled, and eventually, the venue had to close its doors. This left a significant gap in the market, and they saw an opportunity.

Recognising the demand for old skool music, DJ Garfie started organising events under the name Romeo Done, which catered specifically to this crowd. These events were held three to four times a year and quickly gained popularity. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2019, all venues across the UK had to close. This was a challenging time for hospitality, but they were determined to keep the music alive. So, Garfie, Gavin Lamb, and Neilos started live streaming on Mixcloud every weekend, providing the Romeo Done loyal supporters with their weekly fix of old skool music.

By mid-2021, they decided it was time to take their passion to the next level. They decided to open their own bar in Ipswich, ready for when venues could re-open again. They named it Bar Twenty One, a nod to the Romeo Done events and the iconic So Solid Crew song, “21 seconds”. 

Now it’s time for their next step in the journey, and the opening of Bar Twenty One – Bury St Edmunds! 

For more information about what’s on around Ipswich, please visit www.allaboutipswich.com
Train travel information to Ipswich available from www.greateranglia.co.uk
Listen to Neilos and Garfie on Suffolk Sound, Sunday from 4pm – 6pm > www.suffolksound.com