An institution of Brisbane's West End, iconic bar Rumpus Room will close its doors for the final time next month.
Situated on Boundary St next to the giant brown lizard, Rumpo has been serving the drinks and good times since opening just before Christmas in 2005 – back when West End only had a couple of pubs and a cocktail lounge."All good things must come to an end," Rumpus Room posted to Facebook at the weekend.
"It is with a heavy heart that we'd like to announce that after over 16 years of full beers, sweat and tunes, Rumpus Room will be closing its doors for the last time on Saturday 26 February.
"It has been our privilege to be an integral part of the West End community for such a long period of time.
"In true Rumpus style, we'll be throwing a series of parties over our last few weekends. Throwing homage to the genres of music we have championed over the years, we'll be culminating in a grand finale party on the 26 featuring some of our longest serving favourite DJs.
"It's been a pleasure to serve you and stay tuned for further details on line-ups and dates as it would be great to see everyone for one last drink.
"Keep it weird. Long live West End."
A spot to meet up, boogie, even hook up or simply to have a sesh with some of the locals, Rumpo was the place where fringy folk, tradies, professionals, party people and everyone in between could stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar and enjoy a frosty one with half-decent conversations from the bar staff (love you Nath and Stevo).
As diverse as the clientele was, so too was the music; every sub-genre of electronic and hip hop-rap music has been spun at one time or another at Rumpus not to mention hosting some incredible talent across the years: A. Skillz, The Herbaliser, DJ Vadim, Katalyst (live), Spikey Tee, Fort Knox Five, J Dilla, Ed Solo & Skool Of Thought, Tall Black Guy, Total Eclipse, Blockhead and so many, many more.
Not to mention the host of resident DJs and regular parties that made Rumpus Room the ultimate party destination most weekends.
"It's an end of a great innings, after 16 years Rumpus Room is coming to a close," Resin Dogs' DJ Katch says, a regular behind the decks at Rumpus as well as a punter.
"There will be a few last hoorah gigs, one of them will be a Back To The Old School Hip Hop Party in late February with some special guests.
"So make sure you get along to a send off marking a great era in club, bar history! See you there and get a babysitter."
Adds another long-term DJ resident Butterz: "Love you Rumpus! Thanks for the many years of beers and tunes! You will be missed. Looking forward to the last hurrahs!"
While 4101 legend Matt Thams summed it up best: "BEST BAR EVER!! Thanks to Steve and Nathan. Bloody legends."
The sad feels however were summarised perfectly by local event manager-promoter Sarah Ponturo: "Heartbroken. Thanks for all the amazing times Rumpus Room! My favourite dance floor, the best of times were had, the best of friends were made! Forever a place in my heart – can't wait to celebrate with you!"
