26/08/2021
To all our loyal ravers, artists, promoters, supporters and family,
In what feels like Deja Vu, we come to you today with the announcement that The Night Kitchen’s story is officially drawing to an end (for real this time!).
However, unlike the last time we wrote these words, today is not a sad day. Today is a day of hope as we look to the future, as our beloved Smithfield site is reborn and the TNK team move on to pastures new.
The events surrounding the initial closure back in 2017 were overwhelmingly negative in nature. Following our de facto eviction from TNK, our new space, Outside Over There, was met with incredible hostility and direct opposition from the council and other mysterious groups from the off. It soon became clear that OOT was doomed. And the whole TNK team was utterly heartbroken after investing countless hours of time, love and money into setting up the space, alongside all of the wonderful support from our loyal ravers that was ultimately poured down the drain as a result of a direct attack on our culture by the powers that be.
For a time all seemed to be lost and the TNK dream was all but over, until we were thrown a lifeline from beyond the grave as the Smithfield landlord was not ready to develop the building and we were temporarily allowed to move back into TNK. After much confusion and resurrecting, we resumed putting on parties at TNK. But it was clear from the get go that some of that special TNK spice had been lost. After the magical energy of the closing parties and tearing down much of the iconic TNK artworks, it felt as if we had created a Frankenstein’s monster of sorts. It looked like TNK, it smelt like TNK, it sounded like TNK but it just didn't feel like TNK anymore. Ultimately, it took the cosmic reboot that Covid-19 provided for us to take stock and to say enough is enough, The Night Kitchen will cook no more.
However, we say again, today is not a sad day, the dream lives on.
In a collision of true cosmic energy and as if by destiny, we do not mourn the end of TNK but we celebrate a beginning. Much like the phoenix from the flame, 5-7 Smithfield has risen once more. In truly poetic style, we are unbelievably happy to pass the proverbial torch back to the Dirty Little Secret team, without whose guidance, teachings and mentorship TNK would not have existed to begin with, to oversee the third and final evolution of the space we all came to know and love.
We couldn’t be prouder to introduce - Fewer Than One
The third and final incarnation of what was DLS & TNK. Revamped and reloved by a new team for a world of parties and live events.
Please come join them for their launch this Saturday 28.01.21 - Fewer Than One - The Launch
Now this is not the end for the The Night Kitchen team behind the scenes. But as we all move on to new projects, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been part of this journey from the bottom of our hearts. It might not have been the easiest road at points, but we are so grateful for each and every one of you. This has been a truly once in a lifetime experience and we have so much to be grateful for.
Thankyou to all our staff across the years, the promoters, the sound crew, the artists, the security, PFTP and every single person who helped keep the dream alive along the way, we couldn’t have done it without you.
But most of all thankyou to the dancers, time and time again you made it all worth it. And to those we loved and lost along the way, may those moments we shared burn forever more.
Love The Night Kitchen ###
PS >>> The final bits of TNK merch are live over on our depop below for those final limited edition bits and keep your eyes peeled on this page in future as our “TNK Presents…” party will be popping up from time to time featuring our much loved TNK residents. Watch this space! But for now, over to you FTW.
Last Remaining Merchandise here >>> depop.com/thenightkitchen
Below is a selection of never before seen beautiful photos taken by Georgina Martin of TNK right before the 2017 closing parties, capturing the old girls essence in the rawest of forms.
